17th May 2023 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong students have achieved impressive results in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2021, ranking second among 43 countries or regions and maintaining a spot in the global top three for a fourth consecutive cycle since PIRLS 2006. PIRLS is conducted every five years by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement to assess the reading literacy of students aged 9 to 10 in the fourth grade.
Hong Kong students scored an average of 573 in PIRLS 2021, far surpassing the international average score of 500. Additionally, 92% of Hong Kong P4 students were at or above the Intermediate International Benchmark, higher than the global average of 75%. The results also showed that 21% of the students were high achievers in reading literacy at the Advanced International Benchmark, which was only attained by 7% of students worldwide.
The EDB spokesperson stated that PIRLS 2021 revealed that Hong Kong’s primary education system provides equal access to quality education, with family socio-economic status having less impact on reading attainment. The Study also indicated that parental involvement has a positive impact on the reading attainment of students.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s challenges and intermittent school closures, Hong Kong schools, teachers, and stakeholders worked collaboratively to ensure the Study’s smooth conduction. The EDB expressed its gratitude to all parties for their efforts and contributions to Hong Kong’s quality education and pledged to continue collaborating with relevant stakeholders to enhance students’ interest in reading and strengthen information literacy.