IV. Planning for the provision of public sector primary and secondary school places in light of changes in student population
Measures to cope with the declining student population
Conveying the concerns of some principals, members said that EDB should duly consider the merits of those schools with good quality of teaching which were unfortunately facing a decline in demand of school places in the districts they were located. There was also concern that schools would encounter difficulties if schools of different SSBs needed to merge together.
The Administration advised that under the existing arrangements, public sector school places were allocated according to school nets (36 for primary schools and 18 for secondary schools) for the purpose of minimizing the travelling time for students to go to schools. EDB would plan for the provision of school places in accordance with the demand in school nets. In case schools of different SSBs planned to merge together, EDB would render assistance, if needed.
Some members were concerned that the decline in student population in the North District might be transient. There was a view that EDB could consider adopting relatively gradual measures in the North District to allow flexibility for the schools to address the possible student population rebound following the development of the Northern Metropolis. To better understand the demand for school places in the North District, question was raised as to whether the Administration had made any projection of the number of cross-boundary students (“CBS”) to pursue studies in Hong Kong, given full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland and the development of GBA. Information was also sought on the number of CBS from the Mainland in the past three months.
The Administration advised that when considering the need to adjust the number of schools in a district, EDB would take into account the potential demand for and supply of school places in the district. EDB had been fully aware of the development of GBA and Northern Metropolis, and the increasing number of CBS upon the full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland. It would closely keep in view student mobility and at the same time, strive to enhance the quality of education in meeting students’ needs. Regarding the number of CBS in the past three months, EDB would release such figures once available.
To avoid class reduction or school closure owing to the decline in schoolage population, members enquired whether EDB would seriously consider converting under-enrolled schools into schools with special characteristics, such as schools incorporating with more vocational elements to provide an alternative pathway for students. The Administration advised that it was exploring with schools the feasibility of introducing vocational elements in senior secondary curriculum to enrich students’ learning experience.
Some members said that government schools and aided schools were subject to different situations. Unlike government schools, measures such as mergers would lead to surplus teachers in aided schools. Questions were raised as to how the Administration would assist surplus teachers arising from merging or reprovisioning aided schools and whether the Administration could consider keeping open the provident fund accounts of teachers who ceased to be employed in grant/subsidized schools.
There was a view that the Administration should communicate early with the relevant SSBs and provide incentives to encourage aided schools to merge or reprovision, such as compensating leave for teachers until natural wastage and implementation of another round of voluntary early retirement scheme, etc.