Hong Kong’s 2025 Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) examination results reveal an inspiring snapshot of academic achievement and educational progress. This year’s milestone reveals a record-breaking 16 top scorers, showcasing the remarkable talent emerging from the city’s diverse educational landscape.
The standout performers—11 boys and 5 girls from 14 different schools—represent an extraordinary accomplishment. Among them, 11 are classified as “super top scorers,” having achieved the highest possible marks in an advanced mathematics module while excelling across core subjects, electives, and a new citizenship course. One male student even distinguished himself by securing a top mark (5**) in a third elective, a rare feat not seen since 2018.
Participation in the HKDSE has surged, with approximately 55,000 candidates registering—a 10 percent increase from the previous year. Of these students, 97 percent ultimately completed the examinations, demonstrating robust engagement with this critical academic milestone. The examination’s geographical reach has also expanded, with four schools in the Greater Bay Area now participating, compared to just two in the previous year.
Day-school candidates numbered 42,795, with over 90 percent choosing to take two to three elective subjects alongside mandatory core curriculum modules. This trend highlights students’ enthusiasm for diversifying their academic portfolios. The results offer promising insights into future educational opportunities: 16,393 students (38.5 percent of day-school candidates) met the minimum benchmark for admission to Hong Kong’s eight publicly funded universities—a marginal but meaningful 0.1 percent increase from 2023.
Beyond university pathways, 35,520 day-school examinees qualified for local sub-degree programs, further expanding their post-secondary educational options. These statistics underscore the HKDSE’s role as a critical gateway for academic advancement.
However, the examination process was not without challenges. The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) reported several integrity issues. Six confirmed cheating cases were detected through surveillance, involving unauthorized notes or materials. Three additional cases of plagiarism in school-based assessments resulted in penalties like zero marks or grade reductions.
Other examination irregularities included 17 candidates bringing prohibited items such as mobile phones, 135 continuing to write after time expired, and 14 taking photographs within examination halls. Nine of these individuals even uploaded images of candidate barcodes or venue photos online, raising significant security concerns.
Wei Xiangdong, head of the HKEAA, emphasized the examination’s growing complexity and reach. The inclusion of Greater Bay Area schools and increased test center locations reflect ongoing efforts to make the HKDSE more accessible and comprehensive.
The achievements of these top scorers—particularly the 11 super top scorers—highlight the exceptional standards of Hong Kong’s secondary education system. Their success reflects not just individual dedication but also the effectiveness of educational frameworks and teaching methodologies across the city’s schools.
While examination irregularities pose challenges, the HKEAA’s proactive approach in identifying and addressing misconduct demonstrates a commitment to maintaining fairness and credibility. These incidents, though limited, underscore the importance of continuous education about examination ethics.
The 2025 HKDSE results paint a nuanced picture of academic achievement—one of incremental progress, expanding opportunities, and remarkable individual excellence. As Hong Kong continues to refine its educational processes and broaden access, the HKDSE remains a critical platform for nurturing talent and preparing students for future challenges.
