69. With the introduction of the new standard fee in the 1965-66 school year the maximum for remission was raised from 40% to 45% of fee income for Forms I-V and from 54% to 50% of fee income for Form VI.
70. Aided schools charging the old standard fee of $320/$360 retained, unaltered, the old remission rates of 40% for Forms I–V and 45% for Form VI.
71. From a survey of schools eligible to participate in the present fee remission scheme, we found that the maximum permitted level of fee remission was not taken up, although in the academic year 1971-72 more than $8 million was remitted to parents who had established that they required assistance in payment of fees to allow their children to take advantage of the type of secondary education which they merited.
72. Within the present fee structure and fee remission scheme, therefore, it appears to us that there is already adequate provision to ensure that no pupil is denied a place in a Government or fully-aided school solely because his parents are unable to pay the fees.
73. We note that the introduction of free secondary education at Form 1-3 level would be extremely difficult except in the context of 100% provision. We also note that its introduction would result in public funds being used to provide free education for those of the community who can afford to pay fees, thus preventing such funds from being spent on other equally essential social needs of the community. We accordingly recommend that there is no justification at present for providing secondary education free of charge at Form 1-3 level. We must however stress that no child should be denied a Government or aided or assisted place because of the inability of his parents to pay the school fees, and we urge that Government should examine present procedures to ensure that policy regarding fee remissions be carried into effect. We further stress the necessity for regular review of the question in the light of changing circumstances, particularly when provision of 3 years of assisted post-primary education is achieved for all in the 12-14 age-group.
1.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
In the present circumstances of Hong Kong there is no apparent justification for providing secondary education free of charge from Form 1-3 level. (Paragraph 73)
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