The long-established St Stephen's Church Primary School in Bonham Road, Mid-Levels, is to close in 2009 because of falling demand.
Principal Wong Siu-ha said the school, which is more than 50 years old, could no longer afford to provide high-quality education with a shrinking income. 'Most of our students come from middle-class families, which are most severely struck by the economic downturn,' she said. Applications plunged 65 per cent this year from 300 to 165.
Ms Wong said she expected fewer than 30 Primary One students to register for September, about one-sixth of 1996 levels. The school has a $2 million deficit. 'We have played our part. We have served the community when quality primary education was badly needed. It's time to step down with pride and honour,' she said.
The school will spend $1 million a year from its reserves to avoid increasing its monthly fee of $2,254. Its 18 teachers will be laid off gradually each year.
