At least 48 of Hong Kong’s 78 direct-subsidy schools had been approved to raise fees for the new academic year, according to HK01’s review of school fee certificates. The Education Bureau was still completing the approval process at the time.
The reported increases range from 1.9% to 25%. Creative Secondary School had the highest Form One charge, at close to HK$100,000 after an increase of about 3.9%.
Tai Po Sam Yuk Secondary School recorded the largest percentage rise, with its fee increasing by 25% to HK$15,500. Lam Tai Fai College added about HK$9,000, taking its Form One fee to HK$54,150, a rise of roughly 20%.
Diocesan Boys’ School was charging HK$65,980, up 4.2%, while St. Paul’s Co-Educational College was charging HK$87,800, following an increase of about 4.2%.
The vice-chairman of the Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council said schools weigh operating costs, inflation and new teaching approaches when setting fees, with many investing in artificial intelligence and STEM as technology changes. He said government funding cuts had increased pressure on schools to find ways to supplement their resources, while allowing direct-subsidy schools to admit more non-local students on a self-financing basis could ease some of that pressure. Schools seeking an increase above the Education Bureau’s threshold must consult parents, he said.