IIO
HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
The part played by private schools-primary, secondary, vocational and adult-is one which, though prominent, has always posed a number of problems, varying in intensity and kind, but particularly concentrated in the rapid development and changing aspects of the last decade. Their contribution to the expansion of school places this year has been sub- stantial, over 5,000 being provided by the adoption of the two-sessional system. With Government aid by way of interest-free loans and grants of land on favourable terms many reliable and public-spirited corporate bodies have been able to see their dreams of suitable buildings realized. There is, moreover, an ever-increasing number of private schools which in tradition and service to their pupils rank with the best in the Colony, and are frequently rewarded by seeing former pupils taking a leading role in many walks of life.
On the other hand the recent expansion of government and subsidized schools, and of private schools in suitable premises, has intensified the problem of the many private schools which are in premises not designed for school pur- poses. No private school is able to reduce its fees to the level of those in a government or government-aided school, nor in general can its teachers receive like salaries and conditions of service. It is thus inevitable that the school which is inherently uneconomic must lose pupils and eventually be forced to close. Yet despite adverse factors, the percentage enrolment in private schools, compared with total enrolment, has been fully maintained up to the present time.
Considerable indirect Government assistance is also given to private schools through special courses for improving the professional qualifications of teachers; more regular inspec- tion and advice from specialists; and permission for approved schools to participate in public examinations at both primary and secondary levels.
Private institutions are now playing an increasing role in post-secondary education. This year has seen the opening of several new post-secondary college buildings, the beginning