Head teachers will have to undergo leadership training by 2007, it was announced yesterday.
If successful, they will qualify for a 'Certificate of Principalship' showing they have the skills to manage and lead their institutes in the new millennium, the Education Department said.
About 150 training places would be available between this year and next. The number would be increased to 200 in each of the following years.
Under the proposals, new principals must have a certificate by 2004 and serving principals by 2007.
Director of Education Fanny Law Fan Chiu-fun yesterday released a consultation paper, 'Leadership Training Programme for Principals'. The public can comment up to July 17.
Mrs Law said participants would be expected to complete the part-time course in one year. They would be assessed and those with a satisfactory performance awarded certificates.
'There have been voices in the community about principal training. Since more schools should adopt school-based management, the principals should be trained and equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude. They should become competent leaders to lead their schools into the new millennium,' said Mrs Law.