THE English Schools Foundation (ESF) has called on the Government to allow it to take over former garrison-run schools in an attempt to alleviate the demand for international school places.
Yesterday saw the official opening of the 15th ESF school, the West Island School in Pokfulam.
But the organisation believes there is still an urgent need for extra premises, especially at the primary school level.
Government figures show there are 2,000 primary school-age children and several hundred of secondary school age waiting for places in ESF and international schools.
Governor Chris Patten, officiating at the opening of the West Island School yesterday pointed out the importance of providing enough places at international schools in Hong Kong.
'I think it is probably the case that all of us underestimated, in particular, the need for places at the primary level, where the biggest problems so far have been.