Educators have cautiously backed an Education Commission proposal that would award cash bonuses to schools which show an improvement in the quality of education they provide.
Tsui Hon-kwong of the Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union backed the recommendation, but said low-achieving pupils, and the schools that accepted them, should not be penalised.
'The scheme should not disadvantage schools that take in disadvantaged students,' he said, emphasising non-academic school performance, such as outdoor activities or ethics, should be considered.
'This scheme may help re-define what is meant by a good school. Many schools concentrate on admitting the best students rather than on the measures employed in teaching students, which is anti-education,' Mr Tsui said.
Lee Siu-tin of the Subsidised Primary Schools Council said overall educational efficiency and quality could be improved.
'There is a lack of challenge and competition in education presently,' he said.