Shrinking classes and school closures | It is reported that two primary schools in Sha Tin have voluntarily merged, sparking controversy. Education Bureau: Aware that both schools have issued notices, reminding them to fully communicate with stakeholders.

As the school-age population declines structurally, the Education Bureau has frequently encouraged school mergers in recent years. It is reported that two primary schools in Sha Tin, although not reaching the deadline for "zero class allocation", have rarely taken the initiative to merge, sparking backlash from parents. The education sector estimates that the merger stems from a sense of "crisis", and expects more proactive mergers among schools in the future.

Wo Che Lutheran School and Ma On Shan Lutheran School plan to merge in the 2027/28 academic year

According to reports, Wo Che Lutheran School and Ma On Shan Lutheran School, both under the Lutheran Church Hong Kong Synod, plan to merge and rename for the 2027/28 academic year; some parents expressed anger upon learning of the merger plan recently. This newspaper contacted both schools but received no reply before deadline.

The Education Bureau stated that it is aware of the schools' letters to parents regarding the merger and that parent briefings will be held. The bureau has reminded the schools to fully communicate with parents and other stakeholders, and must provide detailed content in the proposal for bureau review.

Education sector expects more schools to proactively merge in the next two years

According to last year's Primary School Profiles, both the last school year and this school year, Ma On Shan Lutheran School had four Primary 1 classes, while Wo Che Lutheran School had only two. Additionally, in the same district, Wu's Clan Association Tai Po Memorial School in Ma On Shan did not receive subsidized Primary 1 class allocation for the next academic year. The government previously estimated that the Primary 1 intake population in Sha Tin District will be 3,500 next year, dropping to 2,600 in 2029, and rising back to 3,000 by 2031.

Zhang Yongbang, honorary chairman of the Subsidized Primary Schools Council, estimates that the merger is driven by a "sense of crisis" due to the declining school-age population. In particular, Chai Wan Shun Oi School, under the same sponsoring body, will not be allowed to open subsidized Primary 1 classes next academic year and will close in 2029—a "painful lesson" for the sponsoring body, prompting them to "think about how to do better". The council's chairperson, Chen Shuyi, estimates that more schools will proactively merge in the next two years. She believes that while the decision-making power lies with the sponsoring body, it would be more ideal to communicate with parents and other stakeholders first.

Education sector legislator Tang Fei said he believes the sponsoring body has considered the educational environment. As to whether the decision is too hasty, he agreed that a merger should be completed within a short period to avoid too many variables.