First Round Primary School Allocation Results Out

Parents found out on Monday whether their child's application for a discretionary place under the Primary One Admission System was successful or not.

The Education Bureau said nearly half of more than 48,000 children applying for discretionary places in government and aided primary schools had been offered a place.

Unsuccessful applicants will get another chance to vie for their preferred choices through central allocation in January.

Some parents told RTHK they would be celebrating with their children after they secured places at their preferred schools.

Outside La Salle Primary School in Kowloon Tong, a number of parents said they were happy their children could attend the same school that they or their spouses went to.

"It's a more all-rounded school...and it's also my love for the school as its spirit is still a driving force for me even as of now," said a father surnamed Sum.

Sum said he had sent his son to interview preparation classes to increase his exposure and also arranged English, Mandarin and swimming lessons for him.

A mother surnamed Yip said she was taking her son to amusement parks to celebrate getting a place in the school.

"I'm very happy, very excited...this school was our only preferred choice because the father is an alumnus here," she said.

Yip added that she felt competition for places had still been fierce, despite a drop in the number of students.