Fees go up nearly 5pc for 18,000 ESF students 'amid uncertainties'
Local | Sophie Hui 16 Apr 2024
English Schools Foundation tuition fees will increase by an average of 4.8 percent - and up to 4.99 percent for some - for more than 18,000 students in the new academic year starting in August.
In a letter issued to parents last night, chief executive Belinda Greer said the foundation - which runs 22 schools in Hong Kong with over 18,000 students - still has "a fee level that remains among the lowest compared to other international schools in the city." But she said the foundation faces "many unknowns and uncertainties" in the future in view of the rapid technological development, especially in the field of artificial intelligence, challenges from climate change, as well as the ever-changing nature of the world.
And so, she added, the organization needs to be "adaptable."
Greer said: "Our goal is to prepare your children for a fast-paced and constantly evolving world.
"When setting the budget for the upcoming year, the board aims to find a balance - one that enables us to recruit and retain exceptional teachers and support staff while also setting fees at a reasonable level that provides quality and value for the investment you make in your child's education."
For the coming school year, the tuition fees for year one to six students will rise 4.99 percent to HK$132,500 from HK$126,200 - or HK$630 more each month.
For year seven to nine students, parents will have to pay HK$680 more per month as the annual tuition fees will be increased to HK$173,900 from HK$167,100 - a 4.07 percent hike.
Students in year 10 and 11 will see a 4.68 percent fee rise to HK$152,200 a year from HK$145,400 - or HK$680 more a month.
For year 12 and 13 students, their parents will have to pay HK$720 more a month, as their annual tuition fees will rise 4.71 percent to HK$160,100 from HK$152,900.
Greer told parents that charges for items like software licenses and activity fees are included in the overall fees.
Greer said the foundation sticks to a "best value model" through careful and responsible cost-control measures.
"By doing so, we can allocate funds to enhance learning, support students, professionally develop staff and improve school facilities, ultimately ensuring a quality educational experience for your children."
Greer also said about 3,000 teachers and staff "work tirelessly every day" in the schools.
sophie.hui@singtaonewscorp.com
