Hong Kong Education Bureau Advises Against Grade Retention for Students with Special Needs

The Education Bureau’s updated School Administration Guide now cautions subsidised schools against requiring pupils with special educational needs (SEN) or severe mental illness to repeat a grade. The guidance notes that grade retention can worsen adjustment difficulties for these students. Schools are now required to consult parents through a team of professionals before deciding on retention, ensuring that any decision is made collaboratively and with expert input. This shift reflects a broader move toward more inclusive and supportive educational practices for vulnerable learners in Hong Kong’s public school system.