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Applications invited for use of vacant school premises to operate international schools
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    The Education and Manpower Bureau today (April 26) announced that two primary school premises in the Kwai Tsing District, to be vacated in September 2006, would be open to applications by eligible school sponsoring bodies (SSBs) for operation of international schools.

     "The allocation of vacant school premises helps us address the growing demand for international school places in a timely and cost-effective manner," a bureau spokesman said. In a survey on the demand for international school places conducted in September, 2005, many schools  reflected longer waiting lists in the 2005-06 school year.  

     "By locating international schools in Kwai Tsing, we have in mind not only the more widespread distribution of international schools but also the benefit of facilitating interaction and collaboration between teachers and students of international and local schools in the region," the spokesman said.

The Premises

     The two premises are located in Cheung Ching Estate, Tsing Yi. They were built in late 1970s and have 23 and 22 classrooms respectively. Details on the total floor area and facilities of the two school premises can be found at the following website: http://www.emb.gov.hk/index.aspx?nodeid=5491&langno=1. The existing occupants would cease to use the subject premises in September, 2006.

     "The two premises have been regularly maintained and are fit for school operation. That said, the selected SSB(s) may, subject to the bureau's approval, carry out appropriate renovation works using their own funds. We also accept bids for using the two premises, which are in close proximity to each other, for the setting up of a through-train school," he added.

     Upon allocation and acceptance of the detailed terms and conditions by the selected SSB(s), the premises will be leased on a time-limited and renewable tenancy, initially for 10 years, at nominal rent.

Allocation Process

     "School premises are allocated on a competitive basis. Quality of education will be the prime consideration and will be assessed primarily on the basis of the merits of the school proposals and track record of the applicant SSBs in running international schools," the spokesman said.

     All applications will be considered by the School Allocation Committee comprising an equal number of official and non-official members familiar with the Hong Kong education system. The applicant SSBs are required to complete an application form and submit it together with documents supporting their eligibility, and a detailed school proposal (of not more than 10 pages including all annexes plus a two-page executive summary). The school proposal must cover (i) the vision and mission, (ii) management and organisation, (iii) learning and teaching, (iv) support for students, (v) intended student mix and admission policy, (vi) financial plan and fee policy, and (vii) performance targets and accreditation mechanism.  

     Applicant SSBs which have experience in running international schools may also provide supporting documents on their operating standard.

     "On student mix, the applicant must undertake to operate in the said premises a school which will cater primarily to non-local students wishing to pursue a non-local curriculum. Afterall, the objective is to increase the supply of international school places in order to meet the demand from families moving into Hong Kong as our economy grows," the spokesman said.

     "In view of the turnover in the international community, we will not mandate the level of studies to be provided. The applicant body should assess demand and justify its case in the application. The schools must, however, serve primarily primary and/or secondary students."

     In line with our established policy for school allocation, the applicant body should be a charitable institution or trust of a public character exempted from tax under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance, and is:

(1) incorporated under the Companies Ordinance, with its memorandum and articles of association contain all the standard clauses and articles required for allocation of a school; or

(2) incorporated under other ordinances, with its constitution satisfying the Permanent Secretary for Education and Manpower as being fit to be considered for allocation of a school.

Others

     Application forms for the SAE 2006 and other reference materials can be downloaded from the EMB homepage (http://www.emb.gov.hk/index.aspx?nodeid=246&langno=1). More information on this school allocation exercise can also be found in the homepage. The bureau will make arrangements for interested applicants to visit the two school premises in early May, 2006. Applicants wishing to join the visit should approach the bureau by May 6, 2006 for the necessary arrangements.

     Applicant bodies are required to submit to the Infrastructure and Research Support Division (Room 1427, 14/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong) by June 26, 2006 one copy of their application form and the supporting documents, together with 15 copies of the proposed school plan and executive summary.

     For enquiries, please call 2892 5436 or 2892 6391.

Ends/Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Issued at HKT 14:15

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