With the release of admission result for discretionary places (DP) and some direct subsidy and private schools in December 2025, parents who have not yet secured a place need not be overly concerned. There are still two opportunities ahead: the Central Allocation process in early January 2026 and the “Door-knocking” process in June 2026. With the right strategy, there is still a chance to gain admission to you and your child’s preferred primary school. EdCity has compiled 10 key considerations that parents should take note of from various sources:
1. Selection strategy in Part A of the “Choice of Schools Form”
Upon receiving the Education Bureau (“EDB”)’s letter regarding the Central Allocation process and Choice of Schools Form, parents should first carefully review the form’s contents. Part A allows parents to choose a maximum of three government or aided primary schools in any school net. Parents may select preferred primary schools based on their preferences, adopting either a “single-choice,” “conservative,” or “progressive” strategy. The Central Allocation quota for each school in Part A accounts for approximately 10% of the total places. While parents are not required to fill all three choices, experts recommend completing all options to maximize the chances of securing a preferred school.
2. The “single-choice” strategy (also known as the “1-1-1" strategy)
The ‘single-choice’ strategy refers to selecting the same primary school in three primary allocation pathways – discretionary places (DP), first choice in Part A of the Choice of Schools Form, and first choice in Part B of the Choice of Schools Form. If your children’s Central Allocation was unsuccessful, parents can use this school selection record to apply for the schools through the “door-knocking” admission. If the child performs well in the interview and possesses an excellent academic record, this strategy can increase the chances of success in the door-knocking admission process.
3. The “conservative” strategy
The conservative strategy involves after selecting a preferred school as the first choice, parents should select some schools their child is more likely-to-be-admitted in Part B, to reduce the risk of unexpectedly unfavourable outcomes.
4. The “progressive” strategy
This strategy typically involves applying to prestigious schools on Hong Kong Island, even if those schools only offer a limited number of places within the parent's school net. While some parents have successfully enrolled their children, this strategy has an extremely low success rate, relies heavily on luck, and is not suitable for everyone.
5. Selection strategy for Part B of the “Choice of Schools Form”
The Central Allocation quota for each school in Section B accounts for the remaining 90% of the total places. However, allocation in Part B is subjected to school net restrictions. Parents must select their preferred primary schools from the list of schools within their assigned district based on their residential address. It is recommended to fill out all 30 choices whenever possible and avoid leaving any blank, as failure to do so may result in placement at a school not listed among their selections.
6. Allocation mechanism
The Central Allocation system allocates school places based on parents' choices on the Choices of School Form and students' “random identification numbers.” The computer program first processes Part A choices (unrestricted by school nets), followed by Part B choices (restricted by school nets). “Random identification numbers” are assigned randomly by the EDB. Even if two children from the same family participate in the placement process simultaneously, their identification numbers will be different.
7. Arrangements for siblings studying in the same school
If parents wish for more than one of their children to be assigned to the same school in the Central Allocation process, all their children's Choices of School Form must be identical, including the listed school choices and their order of preference.
8. Misunderstandings on "Through-train" Mode
While some primary schools also operate kindergartens, this does not guarantee a “Through-train” progression. Only primary schools that have formed a “Through-train” partnership with a secondary school are entitled to a certain proportion of direct admission spots when they apply for admission to secondary schools.
9. Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) Schools Admissions
If your child is admitted to a Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) primary school, parents must sign a notice of withdrawal from the Central Allocation system. Then, your child will no longer be eligible to participate in the Central Allocation system.
10. Private School Admissions
Even if your child has been admitted to a private primary school, your child may still participate in the Central Allocation system. However, private schools will receive a list of students participating in the Central Allocation system and may withdraw their admission offer for those students. Parents should be aware of this risk.
The Central Allocation system represents one of the final opportunities. Strategy and preparation are equally important. Parents should calmly analyse options, complete all application choices comprehensively, and strive to secure the best possible path for their child.