Do Kindergartens Have School Nets? Understanding Hong Kong's Primary School Net System
Kindergartens in Hong Kong have no school net restrictions. This guide explains the primary school net system, allocation mechanisms, and how kindergarten selection relates to primary school admission.
Kindergartens Have No School Net System
According to the Education Bureau (EDB) policy, kindergarten education in Hong Kong has no school net system. Parents can freely choose any kindergarten regardless of residential address. This differs significantly from primary school allocation.
Freedom in Kindergarten Selection
- Kowloon residents can apply to Hong Kong Island schools
- New Territories residents can apply to urban schools
- No geographical restrictions apply
- This applies to all kindergartens, including those under the Kindergarten Education Scheme
Primary School Net System Explained
What is a School Net?
Under the EDB's "Primary One Admission System," Hong Kong is divided into 36 school nets based on residential addresses. Government and aided primary school places are allocated according to this system.
Reference: EDB's "Primary One Admission System" and "Primary School Profiles"
Two-Stage Primary School Allocation
| Stage | Places | Net Restriction | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Places | ~50% | No restriction | Cross-district applications allowed |
| Central Allocation | ~50% | Mostly restricted | Part A (10%) unrestricted; Part B by home address |
School Nets by Region
Hong Kong Island
- Net 11: Central & Western
- Net 12: Wan Chai
- Nets 14, 16: Eastern
- Net 18: Southern
Kowloon
- Nets 31, 32: Yau Tsim Mong
- Nets 34, 35, 41: Kowloon City
- Net 40: Sham Shui Po
- Nets 43, 45: Wong Tai Sin
- Nets 46, 48: Kwun Tong
New Territories
- Net 62: Tsuen Wan
- Nets 64, 65, 66: Kwai Tsing
- Nets 70, 71: Tuen Mun
- Nets 72, 73, 74: Yuen Long
- Nets 80, 81, 83: North District
- Net 84: Tai Po
- Nets 88, 89, 91: Sha Tin
- Net 95: Sai Kung
Kindergarten vs Primary School Net Comparison
| Aspect | Kindergarten | Government/Aided Primary |
|---|---|---|
| School net restriction | None | Yes (36 nets) |
| Cross-district application | Fully free | Discretionary stage only |
| Allocation mechanism | No central allocation | EDB-coordinated |
| Address proof | Usually not required | Required for central allocation |
Should You Consider School Nets When Choosing Kindergarten?
When It May Matter
1. Planning for a Specific Primary School If you have a target primary school in a certain net, attending kindergarten in the same district helps your child become familiar with the community.
2. Feeder or Linked Schools Some kindergartens have feeder or linked primary schools offering priority admission. Enquire about progression arrangements before enrolling.
3. Planning to Relocate If you plan to move before your child starts primary school, consider the school net of your new address when selecting kindergarten.
When It's Less Important
- Applying to private or Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) primary schools (no net restrictions)
- Planning to secure a place through discretionary admission
- No specific primary school preference yet
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does attending kindergarten in a district affect primary school admission there?
A: No direct impact. Central allocation is based on residential address, not kindergarten location. However, attending kindergarten in the area helps children adapt to the local environment.
Q: Should I choose kindergarten based on school nets?
A: Not necessarily. Prioritise educational quality, teaching philosophy, and commute convenience. School net should be a secondary consideration.
Q: Do kindergartens under the Kindergarten Education Scheme have school nets?
A: No. Kindergartens in the scheme have no net restrictions. Parents can freely apply across districts.
Sources: EDB's "Primary One Admission System" and "Kindergarten Education Scheme"