Education chief Christine Choi has given an assurance that resources for schools won't be reduced despite the fiscal deficit and a shrinking student population, saying the government is committed to promoting teaching in smaller classes.

"Although we are now facing financial challenges, the policy of promoting small-class teaching in primary schools is unchanged," she told RTHK's Overview Policy programme.

"We've constantly been making improvements to the quality of teaching."

However, Choi ruled out downsizing secondary school classes to cope with falling student numbers, saying the administration should focus on addressing the different needs of pupils based on their educational stages.

Choi also said there is a need to grade primary school pupils in physical education alongside their academic performance in assessments for secondary school allocation.

"Exercising is not just about making our bodies bigger and our muscles stronger," she said.

"It also helps develop a person's perseverance, determination, sense of responsibility and resilience, improving the individual's overall quality."

From the 2026-27 academic year, physical education will be included in assessments where schools internally evaluate their students with three rounds of exams under a 38-point system and submit the scores to the Education Bureau.