Hong Kong private, international school enrolment jumps 12%

Hong Kong's international and private schools have seen enrolment rise for the third year running, even as the city's overall student numbers continue to fall, according to the latest official figures. The growth, driven by an influx of mainland Chinese families through the government's Top Talent Pass Scheme, has helped reverse a longer trend of decline in these institutions.

Enrolment Figures Show Steady Increase

The Education Bureau's annual headcount, collected each September and released the following July, shows that as of September 2025, 87,220 students were enrolled in international and private schools. That represents a 12 percent jump from 2022, just before the Top Talent Pass Scheme launched. Compared with a decade earlier, enrolment in these schools has surged by 21 percent. Over the same period, the total number of students in kindergartens, primary and secondary schools fell from 797,157 in 2022 to 776,888 in 2025, a drop of 2.5 percent.

Talent Scheme Fuels Demand from Mainland Families

The Top Talent Pass Scheme, introduced in 2022, is designed to attract high-skilled professionals to Hong Kong. Many of these newcomers bring their families, creating strong demand for international education. Ruth Benny, a veteran consultant for international school admissions in Hong Kong and Asia, said the steady growth in these schools reflects mainland professionals and their dependants settling in the city. She also noted a persistent demand from affluent local families who choose to opt out of the local curriculum.

Kindergarten Sector Bears Brunt of Decline

While international and private schools thrive, the kindergarten sector continues to suffer. This academic year, 30 preschools—representing 3 percent of all kindergartens—have shut down or are set to close, a record high. The closures extend a decade-long decline in kindergarten enrolment, as emigration, lower birth rates, and shifting demographics take their toll on local education providers.

Implications for Hong Kong's Education Landscape

The diverging trends highlight a growing divide between Hong Kong's education sectors. Affluent families increasingly choose international or private schooling, while local public and kindergarten schools face shrinking numbers. The government's talent scheme is likely to keep boosting demand for the former, but policymakers must address the challenges facing local schools to prevent further erosion of the public education system. As the city competes for global talent, ensuring a balanced and inclusive education landscape will remain a key priority.