About 62% of the 78,701 students taking part in this year's secondary school places allocation have been granted their first choice, the Education & Manpower Bureau says.

About 81% were granted one of their top three school picks.

Both figures were one percentage point higher than a year earlier. This may be because both parents and schools have made good use of the discretionary places, more parents have employed good tactics in making suitable school choices for their children, and there has been an increase in the number of direct subsidy scheme and "through-train" schools.

This year, 15,845 students - about 20.1% - were successful in obtaining discretionary places. Last year's figure was 18.8%.

All primary six students who have taken part in this year's exercise should collect the allocation or admission slip from their schools tomorrow. Registration will take place on Thursday and Friday, during which students have to report to their allocated secondary schools. 

In case of tropical cyclones, persistent heavy rain or thunderstorms during the registration period, school heads and parents should pay attention to radio or TV announcements for special arrangements.

Attainment test set for July 18

All secondary one entrants should bring along their allocation slips to the schools they have registered with in order to take the Pre-S1 Hong Kong Attainment Test scheduled for 9am on July 18.

For enquiries, call the bureau's School Places Allocation Section on 2832 7740 or 2832 7700.