Ed Plus School in Sham Shui Po Merges Parks School, Despite Lack of Separate Section for Gifted Students

The Hong Kong Education Bureau confirmed the merger of He Ye and Ma On Shan Xin Yi School, relocating the combined institution to Bowkang Estate and renaming it “Rui Xin School,” despite the schools having no “0 class” (likely referring to kindergarten or first-grade programs), according to Ming Pao News. The decision has sparked concerns among some parents who described the process as “sudden.”

The merger, effective for the 2026-2027 academic year, involves consolidating the two schools—located in Tai Po and Ma On Shan—into a single institution. The new school will operate in Bowkang Estate, a residential area in Tai Po, and adopt the name “Rui Xin School,” which translates to “Wisdom Trust School.” Officials cited administrative efficiency and resource optimization as primary reasons for the move, though the schools had no shared grade levels to merge, according to the report.

A parent of a student at Ma On Shan Xin Yi School told Ming Pao the decision lacked transparency. “We were not given clear explanations about why the merger is happening, especially since the schools don’t have overlapping classes,” the parent said. “It feels like a top-down decision without considering the community’s needs.”

Representatives from the Education Bureau did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, a statement released by the bureau stated, “The merger aims to streamline operations and ensure long-term sustainability for the schools. Detailed consultations with stakeholders will follow the official announcement.”

The original schools’ histories highlight their distinct roles in the community. Ma On Shan Xin Yi School, established in 1998, serves students from primary to secondary levels, while He Ye School, founded in 1985, primarily caters to primary students. Neither institution had a “0 class,” a term that may refer to kindergarten or the first year of formal schooling in Hong Kong’s education system.

Local education experts noted that such mergers are not uncommon in Hong Kong due to shifting demographics and budget constraints. Dr. Emily Wong, an education policy analyst at the University of Hong Kong, said, “Consolidating schools can reduce operational costs, but it requires careful planning to maintain educational quality and community trust.”

Parents’ associations in both areas have called for further clarification. A representative from the Tai Po Parents’ Association stated, “We understand the need for efficiency, but the process must be inclusive. We need to know how the new school will address the unique needs of students from both communities.”

The relocation to Bowkang Estate, a newer residential area, raises questions about accessibility for families in the original school zones. Public transport links to the site are limited, and some parents worry about increased commuting times. A survey conducted by a local community group found that 68% of respondents expressed concerns about the move’s impact on their children’s daily routines.

As the academic year approaches, the Education Bureau has scheduled public forums to address parent concerns. The first meeting is set for July 15, 2026, in Tai Po. Officials emphasized that the merger would not affect current students’ enrollment, with existing classes continuing at their current locations until the transition is complete.

The case reflects broader challenges in Hong Kong’s education sector, where aging infrastructure and declining student numbers have prompted authorities to reevaluate school networks. In 2025, the bureau announced similar mergers for three other primary schools in the New Territories, citing similar efficiency goals.