A Surprising Shift in Exam Success

In a remarkable twist in the world of education, non-day school candidates in Hong Kong are achieving record high scores in the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exams. An insightful analysis reveals that the number of these candidates scoring the prestigious Level 5** has surged dramatically between 2023 and 2025.

A Surge in Non-Regular Candidates

The Post's investigation highlights a significant increase in non-day school candidates—including mainland students, independent repeaters, retakers, and even inmates—who registered to sit for the DSE. In 2025, more than a quarter of the 2,700 private candidates enrolled via a special entry route, reflecting a staggering 90% rise from 2024.

Mainland Influence on Exam Performance

This influx of candidates is primarily attributed to mainland students, many of whom are opting for the DSE as a pathway to university admission. Lee Yi-ying, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Subsidised Secondary Schools Council, pointed out that these students are tightly focused and often pay high tuition fees to ensure their success.

Explosive Growth in Top Scores

The statistics are staggering: Non-day school candidates scoring Level 5** in English skyrocketed from just 10 in 2024 to 75 in 2025—a jaw-dropping increase of over 600%! In Mathematics, 254 candidates achieved the top grade, indicating a nearly 60% growth from the previous year.

The Core Subjects Rise

An increase in top scorers was also recorded in other key subjects. In Chinese, Level 5** achievers jumped from 93 to 168 within a year, substantiating the growing trend, while Physics recorded a more than twofold increase from 36 to 79 top scorers.

Impact on Regular Day School Candidates

In contrast, students from regular day school pathways saw only a modest 5% growth in attaining Level 5** across core subjects. As competition intensifies, concerns arise among local students about their opportunities for gaining admission to top universities.

Rethinking Eligibility and Opportunities

With the increasing number of high achievers among non-day school candidates, the government is reevaluating eligibility requirements for local universities to ensure fairness in admissions. The recent spike in students admitted through talent schemes has only heightened these concerns, leading to potential changes in policy.

Conclusion: A New Era in Hong Kong Education?

As the DSE landscape evolves, the substantial rise of non-day school candidates pursuing and achieving top scores may signal a transformative moment in Hong Kong’s educational environment. With continuing fluctuations in performance metrics and student demographics, the implications for future academic policies could be profound.