Elite school in Stanley gets flak over HK$1m priority admission scheme

A private primary school linked to an elite government-subsidised secondary school is under fire for introducing a HK$1 million debenture scheme that gives children nominated by holders an advantage in the admission process.

St Stephen's College Preparatory School in Stanley became the first of the 32 local private schools to introduce such a scheme two weeks ago.

Buying a debenture did not guarantee a child a place, a school spokesman said, though they would only need one interview, rather than the usual three.

Educators and legislators feared debentures could be used as an enrolment criterion and that the programme might make the school more elitist.

Maria Lam Woon-sum, principal of Ying Wa Primary School, said although each school had its own policy considerations, money should not be used to buy priority enrolment.

"No one will criticise a school for raising funds to build new buildings, but money really should not be a criterion for admission," she said.

St Stephen's is affiliated with the nearby St Stephen's College. Last year, almost 80 per cent of graduates entered the elite secondary school, which, under the Direct Subsidy Scheme, receives part of its funds from the government while enjoying greater freedom in its curriculum.