Three quality operators have been selected among 15 applications in a competitive allocation exercise for three vacant or to-be-vacated school premises for international school development.

Secretary for Education Michael Suen said today the allocations will help address the demand for international school places among families coming to Hong Kong for work or investment.

He said he was encouraged by the keen interest in expanding Hong Kong's international school sector, signifying a step forward in developing a vibrant international school community attracting students from different parts of the increasingly interconnected world.

The French International School Victor Segalen Association will be allocated a premises at 1 Cheung Man Road in Chai Wan while a premises in Chai Wan's Yue Wan Estate will go to the Academy Educational Foundation. The Hong Lok Yuen International School Association has been granted a premises on Sha Tau Kok Road.

Based on their initial plans they will provide 300 primary and 200 secondary school places on Hong Kong Island and 400 secondary school places in the New Territories, on a progressive basis from the 2009-10 school year.

A premises in Eastern district has not been allocated as the few proposals received for it fell short of expectations.

The Education Bureau is planning to launch an allocation exercise for four greenfield sites in Kowloon Bay, Lai Chi Kok, Sai Kung and Tuen Mun towards the end of 2008 for international school development.

It has also made available four vacant or to-be-vacated school premises - three in Eastern district and one in North district.