Thousands of parents are scrambling to win places for their children at primary schools operating under the Government's Direct Subsidy Scheme, even though such schools charge up to $20,000 a year in tuition fees.
Parents say they prefer these schools, which enjoy wider autonomy over student intake and curriculum, because they are looking for Western-style schooling and have little confidence in the local education system.
There are only two primary schools operating under the scheme: the Po Leung Kuk Camoes Tan Siu Lin Primary School in Tai Kok Tsui and Pegasus Philip Wong Kin Hang Christian Primary School in Kwun Tong. Two others, the Logos Academy and G. T. School, both in Tseung Kwan O, will join next September.
Tan Siu Lin received almost 1,900 applications for just 185 Primary One places for the 2002/2003 school year - a 72 per cent increase over last year. The school's annual fee for the coming year is $9,980.
Principal Phyllis Yuen Lo Kam-lai said most applicants came from middle-class families that wanted Western-style education but found fees overseas and in international schools in the SAR too expensive. International schools charge about $100,000 a year.
Pegasus Philip Wong Kin Hang had more than 1,000 applications for its 160 Primary One places.
About 1,150 parents attended three briefings on Saturday for applicants for next year's Primary One places offered by the Logos Academy. The school will offer 180 places and will charge $20,000 a year.