The English Schools Foundation (ESF) was established by ordinance in 1967 to provide a 'modern, liberal education' and not, as some incorrectly seem to believe, to provide an exclusive education for the children of highly-paid executives employed by multinational corporations, and who are only temporarily based in Hong Kong.
The vast majority of pupils and applicants are the children of parents who wish - or need - for their children to be educated using an English-language medium (Article 9 of the Basic Law states that English is an official language in Hong Kong, something that often appears to be overlooked.)
In the past year, my salary has fallen by more than 40 per cent and I already have to struggle to pay both my mortgage and the current ESF fees. But despite the world-class education available at foundation schools, if there were suitable places available for my children at government-run English-medium schools, I would almost certainly send them to such a school, rather than pay the additional fees which an ESF education requires.
Any further ESF fee increase arising from the government's withdrawal of current subsidies would probably mean that I would have to remove my children from the ESF system.
My children were born in Hong Kong, have lived here all their lives, and have right of abode.
Although they use English at home and know very little Cantonese, I believe they are entitled to a government-funded education just like other Hong Kong children.
