The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) 2025 results, announced today, saw a record 16 top scorers, or "champions," the highest in DSE history. One male student achieved 5** in all seven subjects, met the Liberal Studies standard, and scored 5** in the Mathematics Extended Module (M2), becoming only the second "Ultimate Champion." Ten others earned "Super Champion" status with 5** in six subjects, Liberal Studies standard, and M2 5**.
This year, 55,000 candidates registered, up 10% from 2024, with 54,000 taking the exams (45,000 school candidates, 8,800 private). Of these, 17,662 (32.8%) met the "332A33" university admission threshold, up 1,388 from last year, with 1.35 candidates competing per JUPAS subsidized university place. Additionally, 33,728 candidates qualified for sub-degree programs, up 1,847.
HKEAA Secretary General Wei Xiangdong noted the "Ultimate Champion" maximized the eight-subject limit. The 16 champions, all from local schools, surpassed the previous record, with 33 others scoring 5** in five subjects. Michael Mak, HKEAA’s Public Examinations Director, emphasized consistent exam difficulty, crediting student performance. Choy Siu-kwan, HKEAA’s Assessment Development Manager, linked the rise in top scores to core curriculum reforms, freeing time for electives and M2.
Core subject performance was stable: 53.6% scored Level 3+ in English (down 1.1%), and 63.9% in Chinese (down 0.1%). Candidates included a 10-year-old and two seniors aged 71 and 66.
Ng Po-shing from Hok Yau Club predicted candidates with 20+ points in their best five subjects are likely to secure university places, while those with 17–19 points should prepare alternatives, including JUPAS adjustments or self-financed programs.
Chief Executive John Lee encouraged candidates, calling the DSE a milestone, not the end. "Every path—studies, work, or entrepreneurship—offers unique opportunities for growth," he said.