Do I Need to Notify the School If I Decline a Kindergarten Offer?
Learn the proper way to decline a kindergarten admission offer: when to notify, how to notify, registration fee policies, and important considerations based on EDB guidelines.
Do I Need to Notify the School If I Decline a Kindergarten Offer?
Yes, you should. If you decide to decline an admission offer from a kindergarten, you should notify the school in writing as soon as possible. This is the responsible approach and allows the school to offer the place to other applicants on the waiting list.
Why Should You Notify the School?
- Courtesy and integrity: The school has reserved a place for your child; timely notification is basic etiquette
- Help other families: Allows the school to allocate the place to waitlisted applicants
- Avoid misunderstandings: Prevents the school from continuing to hold the place or contacting you
- Maintain good relations: Your child may need to transfer or attend another school under the same organisation in future
When to Notify?
- As soon as possible: Once you've decided not to enrol, notify immediately
- Before registration: If you haven't completed registration, notify before the deadline
- After registration: If you've already registered, you should still notify the school in writing
According to EDB guidelines, kindergartens must allow sufficient time (at least 10 days) after announcing admission results for parents to decide and complete registration. Parents should make their decision within this period.
How to Notify the School?
Recommended Methods
- Email: Most convenient, provides written record
- Written letter: Formal, can be delivered in person or by post
- Phone call + written confirmation: Call first, then follow up with written notice
Content Should Include
- Student's name and date of birth
- Class applied for (e.g., K1)
- Clear statement declining the place
- Parent's signature and date
Can the Registration Fee Be Refunded?
According to EDB regulations, the registration fee (commonly called "deposit") is capped at:
| Kindergarten Type | Maximum Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Half-day | HK$970 |
| Full-day | HK$1,570 |
Important Notes:
- Registration fees are generally non-refundable
- If the school cancels the programme, the fee must be fully refunded
- If the child fails to meet admission requirements (e.g., fails the pre-primary child development assessment), the fee must also be refunded
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't notify?
While there's no legal requirement, not notifying may:
- Waste the school's administrative resources
- Reduce other families' chances of getting a place
- Potentially affect your reputation if schools communicate with each other
Can I hold places at multiple schools?
According to EDB guidelines, parents should not hold places at more than one kindergarten for the same child. If you receive multiple offers, you should decide promptly and decline the other offers.
Can I change my mind after declining?
Once you decline, the place may be allocated to another applicant. If you want to reconsider, you'll need to contact the school to check for vacancies and may need to join the waiting list again.
Official Resources
Last updated: April 2026 | Source: Education Bureau