In this paper a report is given on a study comparing Hong Kong students' performance in GCE and Hong Kong A‐level mathematics. An analysis of the data seems to indicate: (1) Hong Kong students achieve higher results in GCE than in Hong Kong A‐level mathematics; and (2) a moderate direct relationship between these scores. The aim of this study is to provide information for polytechnics and universities in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong on how to handle the disparity between these two scores for students' admission. In addition, the author considers that Chinese pupils in Hong Kong on average have better academic achievement in mathematics at advanced level stage (at the age of 18) than their ‘non‐Hong Kong’ student counterparts.