Dozens of Hong Kong kindergartens plan to raise fees under ‘free’ school policy
Some principals say they expect greedy landlords to take advantage of government subsidies and push up rents
A “free” kindergarten policy may have made things worse for some parents, as at least 47 schools signing up for the scheme are expected to charge even higher fees than they do now.
At least two other kindergartens that did not impose fees this year said they expected to start charging next school year, when the scheme would be implemented.
Under the policy announced in Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying’s policy address in January, half-day kindergartens will receive a subsidy equivalent to HK$33,190 per pupil, while whole-day ones will get HK$43,150 to HK$53,100.
All kindergartens under the policy who operate on private venues will also receive subsidies equivalent to half the market rent. Currently, kindergartens do not receive subsidies but parents receive a voucher of HK$23,230 per child to cover fees.
About 20 per cent of half-day kindergartens joining the scheme can still charge tuition fees, while all the whole-day kindergartens may charge fees.
“In principle, the government subsidy is enough to enable kindergartens to provide half-day, free and high-quality education services,” an Education Bureau spokesman said. “Whole-day kindergartens should keep their tuition fees at a low level.”