Squeeze on international-school locals
International schools that reserve at least 80 per cent of places for non-local children may be given priority in the government's land grant scheme, an education official says.
International schools that reserve at least 80 per cent of places for non-local children may be given priority in the government's land grant scheme, an education official says.
Wendy Chung, principal assistant secretary for education, said yesterday on the Education Bureau's website that the government would not be following suggestions to increase that proportion to at least 90 per cent.
International schools currently operating are required to have at least 70 per cent non-local pupils - although the average proportion is 85 per cent, according to Chung.
Last month, the Education Bureau earmarked two vacant schools in Ap Lei Chau and Tai Po and three undeveloped sites in Tseung Kwan O and Tai Po for international primary school development.
Successful applicants usually enjoy a nominal rent or land premium and interest-free capital loans.
The move is set to relieve an expected shortage of 4,200 primary international school places by 2016 - a shortfall partly caused by an increasing number of local parents choosing international schools for their children.