Parents of Primary-6 students joining the 2007 cycle of the Secondary School Places Allocation System will soon receive their school-selection documents.

The Education & Manpower Bureau has introduced choices unrestricted by school nets at the Central Allocation stage. The form is divided into Parts A and B. Up to three schools from any net can be chosen in Part A "Unrestricted School Choices". Up to 30 schools belonging to a child's school net can be chosen in Part B "Restricted School Choices".

The quota for Discretionary Places will rise from 20% to 30% in this cycle, and 10% of the Central Allocation places will be set aside for allocation of unrestricted school choices in Part A. The number of open places available for allocation of restricted school choices under Part B will be reduced.

Participating primary schools have been asked to collect the documents, including the Secondary-1 Choice of Schools Form and the Secondary School List for distribution to parents as soon as possible. Parents should read the documents carefully before making school choices and watch the VCD distributed to them last November to understand the system.

For more information, study the Secondary School Profiles 2006-2007 or consult your children's primary schools. Secondary-1 Choice of School Forms should be completed and returned to schools for submission to the Education & Manpower Bureau by May 8.