Fees for new students entering the English Schools Foundation from 2016 could be more than 20 per cent higher as the government phases out its decades-old subsidy for the foundation, according to a document seen by the South China Morning Post.

But students now in ESF schools or who join before the cut-off date will enjoy a subsidised education for up to 13 years under the present structure, the internal ESF communication indicates.

The change is the result of drawn-out negotiations between the Education Bureau and the ESF, which officials have described as a "colonial legacy".
It is set to be given final approval by the ESF board and receive the green light from the Executive Council next month.

Based on fees announced recently, a 20 per cent rise would mean the cost for primary students would be as much as HK$84,000 a year compared to HK$70,000 for the coming year.

The increase is not firm and the exact amounts would depend on final adjustments.

But the news comes at a time of mounting concern about a shortage of international school places and the ability of families to afford them.

Writes Dennis Chong for South China Morning Post