More than 71,000 SEN students now in mainstream schools
發佈日期: 2026-04-16 20:49
TVB News
The number of students with special educational needs or SEN in public primary and secondary schools has surpassed 71,000 this academic year.
It marks a 5.7 percent increase year-on-year.
Notably, the number of secondary schools students with mental health conditions has jumped by nearly 20 percent.
In Hong Kong's education system, "SEN" refers to students with special education needs, ranging from learning difficulties to physical or mental health challenges -- who require extra support to succeed in the classroom.
According the Education Bureau, there are nearly 33,000 SEN students in public primary schools in this school year.
In secondary schools, the figure stands at over 38,000, marking a 6.4 percent annual increase.
Out of nine SEN categories, students with specific learning difficulties (SLD), ADHD and autism make up the largest groups.
However, students with mental health conditions saw the most dramatic surge.
There are now 1,580 secondary students in the category, a nearly 20 percent annual jump and more than double the figure from six years ago.
A secondary school principal Wong Kin-ho noted that many SEN students are being diagnosed at the primary level and stay in the mainstream schools as they grow up.
He believes this growing trend is likely due to an increase in resources.
"We are seeing more cases like ADHD in mainstream schools," said Wong. "With better assessment tools available, the numbers are increasing as the system is now more efficient. Also, parents are becoming more accepting. They are more willing to let their children get tested and supported."
In 2024/25, SEN students account for 13.6 percent in mainstream secondary schools, and 12.9 percent for primary schools.
Meanwhile, a psychologist warned that by the time a SEN student enters secondary school, the best chance for treatment may has already passed.
Scarlett Tsui explained much of their development is already set by secondary schools.
Just like other teenagers, SEN students also have to navigate puberty and deal with growing issues, on top of their special learning needs.
She added when students show significant gaps in cognitive or social skills, parents should consider specialised schools so that their children can receive professional training and therapy.
