Shenzhen parents continue using HK schools

however, experienced more effects.

Chow Kim-ho, principal of Tsuen Wan Trade Association Primary School, said among 170 registered cross-boundary students in his school, more than 10 in the end chose Shenzhen schools.

Despite the situation, he believes the long-term impact would be small. He noted that students who switched to Shenzhen schools were those who went to Shenzhen kindergartens. If they had pre-school education in Hong Kong and developed confidence in Hong Kong’s system, they might not go back, he said.

Wu Yan, principal of Luo Hu School for Hong Kong Children in Shenzhen, one of the several private schools for students born in Hong Kong, said she didn’t see a decrease in the number of Hong Kong students in her school. Her school follows the Hong Kong curriculum.

“Many students plan to continue their secondary schools in Hong Kong. Therefore, they would choose to go to primary schools with a Hong Kong curriculum, rather than Shenzhen public schools, for greater consistency,” Wu told China Daily.

Before the new policy, children born in Hong Kong to mainland parents were not allowed to enter public schools in Shenzhen. They could only apply for school places in Hong Kong or choose to study at a few Shenzhen private schools that admit Hong Kong children.

However, school places in the North District, with their proximity to the ShenzhenHong Kong boundary, are overwhelmed and hard to apply to.

Shenzhen’s education authorities announced earlier this year that children with Hong Kong identity could apply to study in Shenzhen public schools. To be admitted, a number of factors, including whether the family have Shenzhen household registration, or hukou; whether the parents have bought homes in the area, and the parents’ occupation; will be evaluated.

Celeste Yuen Yuet-mui, associate head and associate professor in the Department of Education Policy and Leadership at the Education University of Hong Kong, estimated that only 10 percent of parents may switch to public schools in Shenzhen; most would remain in Hong Kong.

Willa Wu and Shadow Li in Hong Kong contributed to the story.