From Admissions to Inclusion: A Parent’s Guide to Primary School Options

On 31 January 2026, SENIA Hong Kong and Special Needs Network Hong Kong (SNNHK) organised the first in a series of parent events about schooling for SEN children, titled From Admissions to Inclusion: A Parent’s Guide to Hong Kong Primary School Options. The event aimed to explore one of the most significant milestones in a child’s life: the transition into primary school.

The session comprised expert speakers and, in a series of panels, discussed the challenges that are a reality for many families in Hong Kong. Early school transitions bring increased academic, social and emotional demands, and for some children these changes can highlight differences in how they learn, cope and thrive. Throughout the event, one message remained consistent: early understanding, collaboration and flexibility are key to positive outcomes. And most of all, it is important to always be honest with the teachers – don’t be tempted to “sugar coat” issues!

Choosing the Right School: Looking Beyond Labels

In his presentation on selecting a school, our first speaker, Lee Chetwyn‑Horan, emphasised that there is no single “best” school — only the right fit for each individual child and family. Parents were encouraged to start planning early, explore a range of options, and stay open‑minded throughout the process.

Key considerations included understanding the different pathways available in Hong Kong, particularly within the government‑funded system, which operates a dual‑track model encompassing both mainstream integrated education and special schools. Knowing whether a child is eligible for public‑sector schooling, and at which stage, is an important early step, as admission processes, timelines and criteria vary between Primary One and later entry years.

Lee highlighted the importance of proactive communication: talking openly with schools, professionals and family members, and asking clear questions about support structures, student support teams and inclusion practices. School choice is not just about academic reputation, but about daily classroom experiences, such as how support is delivered in practice, how accommodations are made, and how children are supported socially and emotionally.

Flexibility is important. Children develop at different paces, and what works at one stage may need to evolve as needs change. Remaining adaptable, while keeping the child’s strengths and well‑being at the centre, helps families navigate inevitable uncertainties with confidence.

Assessments: clarity, timing and partnership

Our next speakers, clinical psychologists Dr. Yvonne Becher and Dr. Hennis Tse, emphasised that psycho‑educational assessments should be understood as support tools rather than labels. They explained how assessments help families and schools understand a child’s learning profile, strengths and support needs, and guide appropriate accommodations and planning. Both speakers stressed the importance of early intervention and collaboration, noting that assessments are most effective when parents, educators and professionals work together to support smoother school transitions and a stronger sense of belonging for the child.

Understanding government‑funded primary school pathways

In the session on Hong Kong’s government‑funded primary schools, Mr. Ng Ching‑kong and Clara Foo, moderated by Clarise Chen, provided a practical overview of the public‑sector landscape. They outlined the dual‑track system of mainstream integrated education and special schools, and highlighted the importance of understanding eligibility, application stages and timelines. The panel discussed how whole‑school approaches, student support teams and available resources shape daily inclusion in classrooms, helping parents make informed and realistic decisions about suitable pathways.

Clara explained that inclusion is not a single intervention but a combination of strategies in everyday school life. Parents can explore differentiated instruction, Individualised Education Plans (IEPs), specialist support from educational psychologists and therapists, and the value of peer support and bridging programmes. Open communication and flexibility between schools and families are essential to ensuring support evolves as children grow and needs change.

Looking ahead: the future of SEN education in Hong Kong

In the panel on the future of SEN education, Prof. Kenneth Sin, Dr. Hastings Chim, Neelam Hiranandani and Kim Kwok explored how inclusive education continues to evolve in Hong Kong. The discussion touched on the importance of teacher training, cross‑sector collaboration and community‑based support beyond the school gates. The speakers reinforced that long‑term inclusion depends on strong partnerships between families, schools, professionals and NGOs, and on systems that remain responsive to the diverse needs of children over time.

The Q&A session was lively with many questions submitted to our panelists. Our event wrapped up with an overall reminder that families are not alone on this journey. With early planning, informed decision‑making and collaborative partnerships, children can be supported to feel understood and capable.

SENIA Hong Kong and SNNHK will continue these conversations throughout 2026, with upcoming events focused on secondary and post‑secondary pathways.

We would like to thank our event sponsors White & Case for the wonderful venue and everyone involved in bringing this event to life.

Keep an eye on our website for the dates of our next event!