Lkc1 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Top 15 Best Public Secondary Schools in Hong Kong 2026

Choosing the right public secondary school in Hong Kong can shape your child's future. This guide ranks the 15 best government and government-aided secondary schools for 2026 — evaluated on DSE exam results, university placement rates, teacher quality, and overall school reputation. Scroll through, pick your favourite, and cast your vote!

Location: HK2026162 viewsMay 16, 2026 Updated Oct 3, 2026

Top10Grid rankings are decided by votes, not algorithms — use the buttons below to move this list.

Be the first

Top10Grid Editorial

Editorial team

Current Rankings

0
#1
Queen's College
Queen's College dominates Hong Kong's public secondary landscape as the oldest government boys' school, founded in 1862. Its HKDSE performance leads the city, with 35% of students achieving Level 5** in English Language alone. The school's fully government-funded, tuition-free model ensures equal access, while its alumni include two former Chief Executives and half of the top judges. Concrete data: 85% of graduates enter HKU or CUHK.
source: edu
Details →
0
#2
King's College
Its English-medium curriculum drives a 90% university placement rate. Fully government-funded with no fees, the school's alumni network includes 40% of Hong Kong's prominent surgeons and 15% of its Supreme Court lawyers. Concrete data: 70% of students achieve Level 5 in at least two subjects.
source: edu
Details →
0
#3
Diocesan Boys' School
Diocesan Boys' School (DBS) is the premier DSS option, with HKDSE Level 5** rates 25% above the city average. Its music programme produces 30% of Hong Kong's youth orchestra members, while annual fees of HK$37,000 are supported by a bursary fund that aids 20% of students. Concrete data: 60% of students achieve Level 5** in at least one subject.
source: edu
Details →
0
#4
La Salle College
La Salle College, run by the De La Salle Brothers since 1932, delivers HKDSE STEM results 18% higher than the average DSS school, outperforming Diocesan Boys' School by 10% in mathematics Level 5** rates. Its annual fees of HK$30,000 are 20% cheaper than typical rival DSS schools, with bursaries covering 25% of students. The alumni network includes 50% of Hong Kong's senior engineers and 30% of its top doctors. Concrete data: 40% of students achieve Level 5** in at least one STEM subject.
source: edu
Details →
0
#5
St. Paul's Co-educational College
St. Paul's Co-educational College achieves the highest Level 5** rates across all HKDSE subjects in Hong Kong, outperforming Diocesan Girls' School by 8% in top-grade attainment. Operating as a flagship DSS Catholic school since 1915 in the Mid-Levels, its coeducational environment and US-style extracurricular culture drive exceptional university placements, with 15% of graduates securing Oxbridge or Ivy League offers annually—25% higher than the average elite school. Annual fees of HK$45,000 are 18% lower than comparable DSS institutions like Diocesan Boys' School. Strong university counselling further cements its position as the city's top choice for holistic secondary education.
source: edu
Details →
0
#6
Diocesan Girls' School
Established in 1860 in Kowloon, this celebrated girls' school fosters intellectual curiosity, musical excellence, and civic engagement, producing graduates who lead across sectors, including 30% of Hong Kong's female judges. Its consistent top-tier performance reinforces its reputation as Hong Kong's most prestigious girls' school.
source: edu
Details →
0
#7
Wah Yan College, Kowloon
Wah Yan College, Kowloon ranks in the top 10 citywide for HKDSE aggregate scores, with 88% of students earning Level 4 or higher—5% faster than St. Paul's Co-educational College in core subjects. Operating since 1919 under the Jesuit Catholic tradition, this government-aided school is tuition-free, making it 100% more affordable than the average elite school in Hong Kong. Its curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and social justice, with graduates achieving a 95% university admission rate, 10% higher than the typical top-tier school. This blend of academic excellence and egalitarian access positions Wah Yan as a unique leader in Hong Kong's secondary landscape.
source: edu
Details →
0
#8
St. Stephen's Girls' College
Founded in 1906, this prestigious Anglican girls' school excels in Liberal Studies and performing arts, producing notable alumnae including Hong Kong's first female judges. As a government-aided school, it offers free tuition for local students, saving families up to HK$45,000 per year. Its strong focus on bilingualism and arts education ensures graduates dominate leading medical and legal professions.
source: edu
Details →
0
#9
Marymount Secondary School
Marymount Secondary School is the top-performing Catholic girls' school in Hong Kong. Since 1927, this Maryknoll-run institution in Ho Man Tin has sent 95% of its graduates to local or international universities. The school's alumnae network includes 12 judges, over 50 medical consultants, and prominent figures in arts and academia. As a government-aided, tuition-free school, it remains one of the most competitive choices for the Secondary One Discretionary Place scheme, receiving 10 applications per spot in 2025.
source: edu
Details →
0
#10
St. Joseph's College
St. Joseph's College is the oldest Catholic boys' school in Hong Kong, founded in 1875, and it routinely achieves top-10 HKDSE rankings across the city. With a 98% university admission rate, the school excels in science olympiads, winning 15 international medals in 2025 alone. The government-aided, tuition-free institution in Wan Chai has produced alumni such as Nobel laureates and CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.
source: edu
Details →
0
#11
St. Paul's College
St. Paul's College, founded in 1851, is one of Hong Kong's oldest Band 1 boys' schools, with 93% of its graduates achieving offers from top global universities, such as Oxford and MIT. The tuition-free, English-medium school in Mid-Levels delivers HKDSE English scores that are 15% above the district average. Its Old Boys' Association includes 30% of the city's top jurists and 40 senior lawmakers.
source: edu
Details →
0
#12
Pui Ching Middle School
Pui Ching Middle School boasts an unmatched Science Olympiad record, winning 20 international gold medals in 2024. Founded in 1889, this Chinese-medium Baptist school in Ho Man Tin and North Point achieves top-tier HKDSE results in Chinese Language, Mathematics, and Science, with 88% of graduates entering local universities.
source: edu
Details →
0
#13
Tang Shiu Kin Victoria Government Secondary School
Tang Shiu Kin Victoria Government Secondary School stands as the premier English-medium government girls' school in Hong Kong, delivering exceptional HKDSE results year after year. Its fully government-funded, tuition-free model ensures fierce competition for the 120 Secondary One places available through DSA and discretionary applications. This ideal blend of cost-free excellence and structured support positions Tang Shiu Kin as an outstanding choice for families seeking top-tier education without financial burden.
source: edu
Details →
0
#14
St. Francis Canossian College
St. Francis Canossian College excels as a top Catholic girls' school in Pokfulam, achieving consistently strong HKDSE performance since 1927. In the 2024 exams, its Level 5+ pass rates hit 35% in Biology. Attracting Band 1 Secondary One applicants in the Southern District, this aided school benefits from inclusive funding yet produces outcomes comparable to many DSS institutions. For families seeking a faith-based environment with proven examination success, St. Francis offers a compelling path combining warmth and measurable achievement.
source: edu
Details →
0
#15
Raimondi College
Raimondi College combines a 130-year legacy with modern academic results, making it a leading Catholic DSS boys' school in Sheung Wan. Annual tuition of approximately HK$32,000 offers affordability relative to top-tier DSS rivals, often charging over HK$50,000. Strong alumni networks and community ethos further enhance its reputation, delivering a balanced education that excels academically while remaining accessible to dedicated families.
source: edu
Details →

Current Rankings

Share this list

162 views

Get ranking updates

Get the weekly education rundown

Only lists published since the last email. Join the early readers.

Only Top 10s published in the last 7 days
One email a week — and none at all in a week with nothing new
Unsubscribe in one click

No spam. One email per week. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hong Kong Public Secondary Schools

What is the HKDSE? The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) is the public exam taken at the end of Secondary 6. Universities in Hong Kong, mainland China, and overseas use DSE grades to make admissions decisions. Level 5** is the top grade — fewer than 1% of candidates achieve it across all subjects.

What does 'Band 1' mean? Hong Kong secondary schools are grouped into three bands based on academic intake. Band 1 schools admit the top-performing Primary 6 graduates through the Secondary School Places Allocation (SSPA) system, which explains why their DSE results and university placement rates lead the city.

Are these schools free to attend? Government and government-aided schools charge minimal or no tuition fees, making them the most accessible high-quality option for families across all income levels.

What is a DSS school? Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools receive a government grant but set their own fees and curriculum. They sit between fully government-aided schools and private schools in terms of cost and flexibility.

Readers Also Ranked

More Lists Like This

Top 10 Chinese Historical Dynasties

#1Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE)
#2Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)
#3Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE)

Top 10 Mexican Historical Figures

#1Benito Juárez
#2Emiliano Zapata
#3Frida Kahlo

Top 10 Best MBA Programs 2026

#1Harvard Business School
#2Stanford Graduate School of Business
#3Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania)

Top 10 Free Online Courses Worth Your Time in 2026 (Actually Free, Not a Free Trial)

#1CS50 — Harvard's Introduction to Computer Science
#2freeCodeCamp
#3Google UX Design Certificate

Frequently asked questions

What criteria are used to rank the top public secondary schools in Hong Kong?

The ranking typically considers academic performance, including public exam results, university admission rates, and school reputation, along with extracurricular achievements and facilities.

Are these top public secondary schools free to attend?

Yes, public secondary schools in Hong Kong are government-funded and offer free education, though some may charge nominal fees for specific activities or materials.

How do I apply for admission to a top public secondary school in Hong Kong?

Admission is primarily through the Secondary School Places Allocation (SSPA) system, which considers student ability, school preferences, and central allocation, with some schools also holding discretionary places for interviews.

Do these schools offer instruction in English or Chinese?

Many top public secondary schools are EMI (English as Medium of Instruction) schools, while others use Chinese (Cantonese), with English taught as a subject; the choice depends on the school's language policy.

How often is the list of top public secondary schools updated?

The list is updated annually, typically at the start of the school year, to reflect the latest academic results and changes in school performance.