Retaking the HKDSE is definitely not an easy decision and requires careful consideration. One must think about how to improve their exam results next year and whether they are confident in doing so. If a student decides to go forward with it, they should pay close attention to the registration details to strategically plan ahead for the coming year.

01 | Three Key Factors

With reference to Hok Yau Club’s article, "4 Major Considerations for Retaking HKDSE" (Chinese version only), three key factors are extracted below which would help the repeaters to make the most suitable choice-

• Summarising past exam experiences: If your results cannot meet your expectation, was it due to inadequate preparation or underperformance? Or did you give it your all but still fall short? If you retake the exam, do you have the confidence to turn things around, or would it be just another trial without a guaranteed outcome?

• Don’t see retaking as the only option: Consider whether you have other interests or talents. Exploring alternative education pathways that better suit you might allow you to develop your strengths more effectively.

• Choosing the right way to retake: Should you study independently or repeat the year at school?

  Self-study (i.e. being a private candidate) allows you to create your own study schedule based on your grasp of different subjects. However, this method lacks teacher guidance and peer support, making self-discipline and perseverance crucial.

  Repeating at your current or a different school provides a more structured learning experience, addressing the drawbacks of self-study. But since most of your daytime will be spent in school, the time left for independent revision is limited. Students must clearly assess their knowledge levels and adjust their study pace accordingly.

02 | Being a Private Candidate

A person may enter for the HKDSE as a private candidate provided that he/she has satisfied the requirements set out at (a) or (b) or (c) below:
 
(a)    The person has sat the previous HKDSE or an equivalent examination, or
(b)    The person has reached the age of 19 by 1 January of the year of the Examination, or
(c)   The person has completed or is currently pursuing a non-HKDSE curriculum equivalent to Secondary 6 as determined by the HKEAA in the year preceding the Examination.

The Authority may consider applications from persons possessing other qualifications or pleading special circumstances.  Persons who have sat other public examinations are expected to demonstrate a suitable level of competence in the same subject(s) entered for the Examination and may be required to provide supporting documents from their schools (if applicable).  Persons who are currently pursuing an HKDSE curriculum will not normally be considered for special entry to the Examination. Exceptional cases may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Students can submit their applications through the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) Online Services. For the registration details, please refer to Private Candidates - Entry Qualifications.

03 | Repeat Secondary 6 at Schools

If you would like to repeat Secondary 6 at other schools, you may refer to the Life Planning website of the Education Bureau for the list of “Schools admitting HKDSE S6 repeaters from the other schools”.

Sources:
Hok Yau Club (Chinese version only)
Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority
Life Planning Website of the Education Bureau