ESF pushes for 4.8pc rise in fees

Jamie Liu

The English Schools Foundation is seeking to raise tuition fees by an average of 4.8 percent for primary and secondary schools next year.

The proposal for the 2025-26 academic year, which needs government approval, would see parents fork out HK$650 to HK$750 more each month, based on which year their children are in.

Primary students from years one to six would see their tuition rising from HK$132,500 to HK$139,000 - the largest increase across all grades.

The ESF said the tuition for years seven to 10 would increase from HK$173,900 to HK$181,100. Year 10 will become non-subvented next year.

Year 11 will see fees climb from HK$152,200 to HK$159,400, and years 12 to 13 from $HK160,100 to HK$167,600.

The ESF also plans to raise fees for its five kindergartens, with the monthly increases ranging from HK$600 to HK$1,080.

Discovery College, a private independent school operated by the group, will see parents pay $HK900 to HK$1,190 more per month for primary and secondary sections.

The proposed fees were endorsed by the ESF board on Monday night, according to a letter to parents from the international school group's chief executive, Belinda Greer.

The letter reiterated that the ESF aims to maintain a tuition level that remains "among the lowest of any international school or group" in Hong Kong.

Greer said the board is seeking to strike a balance between putting resources in recruiting and retaining top teachers and staff while setting reasonable fees for parents.

"I know that the Hong Kong economy, like that of the world more generally, continues to face uncertainties," Greer said.

"I want to assure you that our commitment to a prudent 'best value' financial model remains resolute."

She was also confident that investing in quality educators will reap significant rewards for ESF students, "even with the advances of technology, the proliferation of AI and the many uncertainties about future jobs."

In a reply to an inquiry from The Standard, an Education Bureau spokesperson said it has not yet received the ESF's fee revision application.

The spokesperson said the bureau "will critically consider justifications provided by schools according to the established policy upon receipt of their applications."

jamie.liu@singtaonewscorp.com