Better results: Examinations & Assessment Authority Secretary General Choi Chee-cheong said the examination ran smoothly this year.

More than 66% of 118,213 candidates have passed the Certificate of Education Examination. The Examinations & Assessment Authority will formally release the results tomorrow.

Some 66.2% of day school candidates gained a grade of E or better in any five subjects, up 0.7 of a percentage point from last year, while 42% obtained the minimum requirement for admission to Secondary 6.

Candidates with grades of F or below in all subjects account for 14.7%, down 0.7 of a percentage point from last year. Eleven were awarded an A grade in 10 subjects and 36 candidates received an A grade in nine subjects.

Results in both languages improve

The percentage of candidates awarded an A grade in Chinese was 2.6%, compared to 2.5% last year, while 64.9% were awarded a grade of E or better, compared to 64% in 2003.

The proportion of candidates awarded E grade or above in English Syllabus A was 49.3% compared to 48.7% last year, while in Syllabus B the comparable figure was 67.1% compared to 63.6% in 2003. Of them, 0.9% were awarded an A grade in Syllabus A and 1.6% in Syllabus B. The comparable figures for last year were 1% and 1.6%.

Authority Secretary General Choi Chee-cheong said the examination ran smoothly this year, apart from the rescheduling of the English Language Syllabus B Listening Test due to a black rainstorm warning.

There was one confirmed case of cheating, down from six last year.

"A growing problem is the failure of many candidates to switch off their mobile phones during the examination. A total of 366 cases were reported, compared with 254 last year, and in most cases penalties were imposed," Mr Choi said.

Application for remarking procedures

Candidates have until August 18 to lodge an application for remarking (inclusive of rechecking) for a maximum of two subjects. They can apply for rechecking for up to two other subjects.

Candidates will be notified of the outcome of the rechecking around August 24 and remarking around August 31.

School candidates should collect their results from their school. Results for private candidates have been posted.

For Secondary 6 admission purposes, private and evening school candidates who sat six or more subjects and who have not received their results by 10am on August 11 can apply in person for a free duplicate copy at the authority's offices at 12/F Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai or G/F 17 Tseuk Luk Street, San Po Kong, by bringing along their admission form. Enquiries can be made on 2834 9922.