Fostering the Whole Learner: How Academic and Whole-Person Orientations Attract Students in Hong Kong Schools

• In Event: Thursday Roundtable Session 12:40 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Family Responses to School Choice Policies (Table 19)

Abstract

As school choice expands and birth rates fall, schools face growing pressure to attract students. To compete, they tout academic achievement and whole-person development. However, few studies examine how these factors impact enrolment, especially across school types in exam-focused systems like Hong Kong. Using hierarchical regression analysing and data from 327 Hong Kong secondary schools, this study found academically-oriented aided schools saw higher intake when also prioritizing personal development. This implies parents increasingly want both strong academics and whole-person growth for children. It urges high-performing schools to emphasize academic and developmental excellence, aligning with 21st century education trends and parent expectations. The study informs policies to enhance offerings, transparency, and parent alignment within high-performing education systems.

Authors

• Chun Sing Maxwell Ho, The Education University of Hong Kong

• Jiafang Lu, The Education University of Hong Kong

• Chiu Kit Lucas Liu, The Education University of Hong Kong