Hong Kong hosted the largest Education UK exhibition on the British Council circuit in recent years, with 98 institutions taking part this weekend.

More than 8,300 visitors attended the event at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 25-26 February - more than enough to keep institutions busy throughout the two days. Feedback from the schools, colleges and universities attending was overwhelmingly positive.

This was a particularly significant exhibition as representatives dealt with queries from the much anticipated 2012 double cohort of students - the first Secondary Six students completing the new Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) this summer along with the last Hong Kong A-level students.

With the first institutions already making conditional offers to HKDSE students, all exhibitors needed to grapple with how they would respond to the changes. Whilst this may be complex, it was evident through the weekend that new pathways between UK education and Hong Kong's new academic structure are open - a message reinforced by the British Council in briefings to exhibitors, visitors and to the media. Students can now move from Hong Kong to UK education at different points during secondary school; direct to higher education; or through sub-degree and vocational pathways.

The exhibition made use of the GREAT campaign to highlight the best of UK education, creativity and innovation, and sought to attract visitors to a GREAT sports interactive showcase area. On Sunday, Hong Kong Rugby Football Union's senior coach Leigh Jones, who is studying a PhD with University of Wales Newport, was on hand to inspire students to consider study in sports science in the area that showcased the sports education excellence of 8 institutions.

A number of high level government representatives attended, including Michelle Li, Deputy Secretary for Education, and representatives from the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority.

There was extensive media interest, with the exhibition covered on ATV's main news in the evening and in four mass circulation newspapers. The event was used as a barometer for public sentiment about the reforms and the impact of the double cohort year. TVB also conducted interviews for a documentary on the HKDSE.

Key news points include:

  • UCAS applications from Hong Kong were up 37 per cent by 15 January;
  • Many Secondary Five students were looking for alternatives to HKDSE;
  • Most UK universities accepted the HKDSE, with Level 5 treated as equivalent to GCE A-level Grade A
  • Katherine Forestier was also quoted as saying that now was a good time for Secondary Five students to research study options, ready to submit applications in autumn 2012, for 2013 entry.

Seminars were well attended, many with standing room only. The most popular were How to apply for an undergraduate course through UCAS, delivered by UCAS; Articulation between UK and new Hong Kong education systems, by British Council; and Preparing your child for a place a top-ranking university, by Ruthin School.

Universities received enquiries for top-up undergraduate and postgraduate courses, but enquiries from HKDSE students appeared to be more prevalent, along with enquiries for schooling. Representatives also noted an interest in a wide range of subjects beyond the predominant business-related areas. This included arts and design, pharmacy, architecture and biology.

Exhibitors commented positively on the quality of the event, and of the serious interest from the families they met. "Thank you to everyone at the British Council in Hong Kong for your hard work in putting together a successful event," Polly Tzortzi, Head of Undergraduate Services of Leeds Metropolitan University, wrote in her feedback. Geoff French, Associate Director of Birmingham Metropolitan College, meanwhile, commented: “A very good event, well supported at both pre-arrival and the actual event - excellent service!”