Quality education: Secretary for Education Michael Suen says an additional 40 schools and another 3,000 teachers will be needed to meet demand if small-class teaching is extended to all classes up to Primary 6 in 2014-15.

If small-class teaching is extended to all classes up to Primary 6 in 2014-15 an additional 40 schools and another 3,000 teachers will be needed to meet demand.

Secretary for Education Michael Suen said when implementing small class teaching the Government needs to take into account practical circumstances and the wishes and needs of schools, parents and students.

Using 25 students per class as the basis for school place allocation some school nets may not have sufficient places to meet demand, he said, adding the Education Bureau will implement small class teaching progressively.

For school nets with sufficient places to meet demand the Government will let each school in the net decide whether or not to implement small class teaching. Schools not opting for small classes will continue to be allocated 30 students per class.

For school nets with a shortfall of places the bureau will invite each school within it to indicate whether it wishes to implement small classes. The bureau will then separately consider ways to assist these schools.

On the proposal to expand the international school sector, Mr Suen said at least three sites have been identified at nominal premium for the development of new international schools or the expansion of existing schools.

It is expected to invite expressions of interest by early next year.