With the release of a consultation document in October 2004, entitled "Reforming the Academic Structure for Senior Secondary Education and Higher Education- Actions for Investing in the Future", the Education and Manpower Bureau unveiled a reform process which would have far-reaching implications across the entire education community. The "3-3-4 education reform", as it is commonly known, has since initiated heated public debate.

After intensive deliberation on the consultation document, the Institute issued a response on 19 January 2005. In responding to the document, the Institute indicated its unequivocal support for the education reform which will move Hong Kong from a relatively elitist secondary system to a system with wider access for all teenagers. It discussed issues related to tuition fees, teachers, the curriculum and class size. It also gave full support to the further development of Liberal Studies as a core subject in the senior secondary curriculum, and expressed the view that Liberal Studies should be made a requirement for university entrance.