Transferring Schools in Hong Kong: Timing, Documents and Process for KG, Primary and Secondary

Transferring schools mid-stream is something many families face sooner or later: a move, a child not settling, or aiming for a preferred school. But unlike Primary One or Secondary One admission, there is no central system and no unified timetable — every school sets its own. Information is scattered, so you have to take the initiative. This guide covers the process stage by stage.

Before you transfer: three questions

1. Is transferring really the best option? A new environment costs a child something: new teachers, new classmates, a new pace. If the problem can be solved in place (talking to the teacher, homework support), a transfer may not be necessary.

2. Does the target school actually have a place? Transfer places only exist when someone leaves. Popular schools rarely have openings — keep a backup list.

3. The timing of the switch. Starting at the beginning of the school year (September) is ideal; mid-year (January) is second best. Transferring late in a term is the hardest adjustment.

Kindergarten transfers

Kindergarten transfers are relatively simple: apply directly to the kindergarten of your choice, any time of year, with no written test — schools usually arrange a meeting to understand the child.

• Registration Certificate (RC): if your child currently attends a kindergarten in the Kindergarten Education Scheme, the original RC is kept by that school. On transfer, complete the withdrawal process to get the RC back, then register at the new school with it. A child who has never registered simply applies with their RC. See The Kindergarten Registration Certificate (RC), explained.
• Fee continuity: fees already paid to the old school are generally not refunded; the new school charges from the month of entry, and some charge a fresh registration fee — ask before signing.
• Settling-in support: ask how the school helps transfer children settle — is there a designated teacher, what do the first few weeks look like?

Primary transfers

Timing: the main window is May–June (schools know their vacancies after handling promotions), then November–December. Some DSS and private schools accept applications year-round.

Process:

1. Check the "transfer admission" page on the target school's website for the form and deadline; if nothing is published, call the school office.
2. Prepare documents: report cards from the last one to two years, proof of date of birth, a recent photo; some schools ask for a conduct reference or recommendation letter.
3. Written test: usually Chinese, English and Maths at the school's own grade level. If the two schools' curricula differ significantly (e.g. transferring into an EMI primary), start bridging early.
4. Interview: usually with parents present, covering the reason for transferring and how the child is adjusting. Answer honestly but positively — don't run down the old school.

One important warning: think very carefully before transferring in P5 or P6. SSPA internal assessment scores are reported from the attending school's exams; transferring mid-stream leaves an incomplete record and directly affects Secondary One allocation. Unless truly necessary, don't move at this stage.

Secondary transfers

The logic mirrors primary transfers, with two extra considerations:

• Subject continuity: transferring in S3–S4 is risky if the subject combinations don't match — your preferred electives may not be offered or may be full. Confirm subject arrangements with the school before transferring.
• Public exam progress: in senior forms, watch for curriculum pacing differences between schools. Transferring during DSE years carries the highest risk.

DSS and private secondary schools tend to have more transfer places and more flexible timing than government and aided schools, but compare fees carefully — see our DSS secondary fee table and private secondary fee table.

Improving your chances

• Report cards are the first gate: keep the last one to two years of results and conduct grades in good shape; include extracurricular records and awards.
• Ask about the test scope: many schools will tell you what the test covers (e.g. "the standard Hong Kong grade level") — revise accordingly.
• Apply to several schools: transfer places are unpredictable; applying to two or three at once is normal.
• Use our tools: put the current and target schools side by side in the compare tool — fees, teacher ratios, medium of instruction — before deciding.

Good to know

• Transfer information always follows the school's official announcements; each school's page here links to its website for direct enquiries.
• After receiving an offer, complete the withdrawal process at the old school (collect the RC / student records) so the new school can register your child formally.