[Direct Subsidy Primary Schools] Higher ranking? How expensive are the fees? Key things to note when applying in one article

The competition for places at Direct Subsidy Scheme primary schools has always been intense. Although there is no official ranking for DSS primary schools, some of these schools were already highly sought-after, prestigious schools before converting to DSS status. In addition, DSS primary schools enjoy greater flexibility in student admissions and curriculum design, which makes them popular with parents. Even though the tuition fees are not insignificant, many still hope to send their children to DSS primary schools. However, what are the differences between DSS primary schools and government and aided primary schools? How wide is the tuition fee gap between different DSS primary schools? 10Life has compiled the basic information about DSS primary schools to give everyone an initial understanding.

DSS primary schools refer to primary schools under the “Direct Subsidy Scheme”, which receive government funding based on student numbers while also being allowed to charge school fees. They are positioned between public-sector aided primary schools and private primary schools. At present, there are 71 DSS schools in Hong Kong, including 50 secondary schools, 12 primary schools and 9 secondary cum primary schools (i.e. secondary and primary sections on the same campus).

DSS primary schools may admit students independently. Compared with government primary schools and aided primary schools, they also have greater flexibility in resource allocation, curriculum design and school operations. Some DSS primary schools adopt a “two-class-teacher system” or “three-class-teacher system”, and their student-teacher ratios are better than those of public-sector aided schools. Their campus facilities are also more comprehensive, for example with swimming pools and theatres. Before enrolling their children in a DSS primary school, parents should first understand the school’s educational philosophy and learning environment, and make a choice based on their children’s interests and needs.

Hong Kong primary schools are mainly divided into four categories, including government, aided, DSS and private primary schools. The table below summarises the key differences among the four categories of primary schools. 

A school principal from a Direct Subsidy Scheme school pointed out that most DSS schools derive 70 to 80 per cent of their income from government subsidies, and the main purpose of charging school fees is to improve campus facilities and teaching staff, among other things. The tuition fees charged by DSS primary schools vary widely, with annual fees generally exceeding HK$10,000, and the most expensive reaching HK$70,000. In addition, DSS schools apply to the Education Bureau for fee increases every year, causing parents to worry that the financial burden of school fees will become increasingly heavy.

In fact, the Education Bureau requires DSS schools to allocate at least 10 per cent of total fee income to fee remission and scholarship schemes, to ensure that students will not lose the opportunity to attend DSS schools simply because they are unable to pay the fees. The principal gave examples, saying that families currently receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance, Student Travel Subsidy, or Textbook Assistance, etc., are generally eligible for full or half fee remission.

Among the approximately 700 primary schools across Hong Kong, only 21 are Direct Subsidy Scheme primary schools, making competition extremely intense. DSS primary schools do not take part in the central allocation system, and their admissions arrangements vary from school to school. In general, applications must be submitted around one year before enrolment. Parents who wish to apply for DSS primary schools for their children should keep an eye on their preferred schools’ announcements to avoid missing the opportunity.

In addition, many parents are particularly keen on “through-train” DSS primary and secondary schools, where pupils can progress directly to secondary school after graduating from primary school, saving one round of hassle.

The Education Bureau’s website does not list the names of through-train DSS primary and secondary schools. Parents interested in applying need to visit the schools’ websites themselves or enquire directly with the schools. According to information compiled by 10Life, there are currently 14 DSS primary schools with through-train secondary school arrangements.  

However, school principals have reminded parents that students at DSS primary schools do not necessarily enjoy a direct “one-through-train” progression to secondary school. If a student’s academic performance, conduct and other aspects do not meet the admission requirements of the secondary division, they will need to apply to other secondary schools again, or, like students from aided and government primary schools, take part in the Government’s Central Allocation.

Although DSS primary schools generally offer fee remission schemes, not everyone is eligible, and the level of fee remission granted also varies from person to person. For many families, the tuition fees for at least 12 years from primary to secondary school remain a significant burden. Preparing an education fund early through a savings plan can help ease future financial pressure.

10Life previously compared the potential returns and risks of insurance plans commonly used to set up education funds. If parents would like to learn more, they can WhatsApp 3705 1599 to enquire with a 10Life insurance consultant.

Source: Education Bureau, media reports, various DSS primary schools  
Last updated: 13 October 2023

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.