Parents angry as schools block Form One transfers

Parents of pupils who failed to secure a Form One place at the school of their choice yesterday slammed an agreement among some schools that barred them from seeking a transfer.

But educators have defended the industry-initiated policy, saying it is necessary to maintain school standards and to prevent some from closing down because of a lack of pupils.

Principals of secondary schools in Tuen Mun, Sha Tin and Eastern districts have agreed not to reserve Form One places for pupils seeking a transfer.

The schools would accept transfers only if they still had vacancies by Friday after enrolments - and pupils must be from a different district.

A citywide surplus of 4,400 Form One places is expected in the coming academic year, and the three districts are likely to be the most affected.

Despite the no-transfer policy, pupils and parents still flocked to popular English-language secondary schools in the districts yesterday to try their luck.