Hong Kong school reunites pupils at new Tai Po campus after Wang Fuk Court fire
Tai Po Baptist Public School reopened on Saturday at a newly renovated campus in Fu Shin Estate, reuniting nearly 600 pupils and teachers months after the deadly Wang Fuk Court blaze forced them to relocate.
Source: South China Morning Post · August 29, 2026 at 11:01 AM · AI-assisted report
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TAI PO, HONG KONG; WANG FUK COURT; FU SHIN ESTATE, 29 AUGUST 2026 —
Tai Po Baptist Public School reopened on Saturday at a newly renovated campus in Fu Shin Estate, reuniting nearly 600 pupils and teachers months after the deadly Wang Fuk Court blaze forced them to relocate.
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The school, formerly near the fire-stricken estate, had operated from two temporary sites since December, splitting its pupils between Tai Po Government Primary School and NTWJWA Christian Remembrance of Grace Primary School. The new premises, once home to CCC Kei Ching Primary School, cost HK$43.6 million (US$5.6 million) to refurbish, with upgrades including classrooms, toilets, an assembly hall, basketball court, electrical systems and air-conditioning.
Education Secretary Christine Choi Yuk-lin officiated at the opening, calling the relocation a "significant moment" for teachers and students to reunite. "The school has gone through difficulties and, with the collaboration of various parties, has been reborn after the fire," she said.
The blaze in November last year killed 168 people and displaced about 5,000 residents across seven of the estate’s eight blocks. Tai Po Baptist Public School, directly opposite the site, was temporarily sealed off to support relief efforts. School managers later decided to relocate, citing concerns that views of the charred buildings would unsettle pupils and parents.
Primary Six pupil Chloe Yang, 12, said she was excited to see her classmates again after being assigned to Tai Po Government Primary School during the interim period. "I am so happy to see familiar faces again," she said. "I was impressed by the new climbing room and basketball court – I love to play basketball – and I look forward to classroom learning."
Teacher Alice Lai, who taught at the old campus for eight years, said she felt sentimental leaving the site. "Before the fire, the old campus was full of sunlight and vitality," she said. "When we returned to pack up, we saw the estate after the fire – there was mud and iron bars scattered all over the ground."
The new campus includes an AI-powered sports corridor for interactive exercise, six multifunction rooms for counselling and therapy, and upgraded facilities such as an assembly hall and basketball court. Principal Siu Ting acknowledged the relocation had affected enrolment, with three Primary One classes this year compared with four last year. "Moving into a new estate, we need time to build trust with parents," she said.
The school is partnering with universities and NGOs to develop pupils’ soft skills and expand learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
Related: Christine Choi Yuk-lin