Many students on Tuesday said they were generally happy with their secondary school allocation results, even though some of them may still go “door knocking” – approaching their preferred schools directly – to secure their first choice.

The Education Bureau earlier announced that around 50,000 primary six students participated in the central allocation system this year, with two-thirds of applicants getting a spot at their preferred school.

All in all, 91 percent of students secured a place in one of the top three schools of their choice. The satisfaction rate is down 3 percentage points from 2022.

Some of the students who did not get a place in their most-preferred school told RTHK that they plan to go “door knocking” and try their luck.

"Door knocking" allows parents to apply directly to schools they prefer if they are unhappy with the central allocation results.

Polly Chan, principal of Yaumati Catholic Primary School, said even though the government has recently reduced the number of “door-knocking” spots at each school, it doesn’t mean competition has become more vigorous.

"Many parents in Hong Kong already plan on sending their child abroad for their studies, and especially those from an international school. In addition to the high immigration rates, extra spots will open up,” she said.

"Even if the number of door-knocking seats are reduced, it won't affect the competition too much with the effect. There would be a balance instead."