From the next academic year, schools could be able to either keep their existing NET, or opt for a grant from the Education Bureau (EDB) to employ at least one NET and native-English-speaking teaching assistants or related services.
Primary schools can get HK$900,000 for one year, while secondary schools will receive up to HK$1 million.
“HK$900,000 divided by 12 months, that would be around HK$70,000 a month. That would be enough to hire teachers with no teaching experience, and there would be [money] remaining for schools to hire teaching assistants or get other education services,” Cheung Chok-fong, who chairs the Subsidised Primary School Council, said on an RTHK programme.
“This allows schools to choose whether to keep their own NET, or get the cash funding from the bureau. Schools can then make more flexible arrangements,” she added.
Cheung said she hoped the bureau will also look into streamlining applications for subsidies, such as housing allowances, to reduce administration work within schools.
Speaking on the same programme, lawmaker Tang Fei expressed concern that proposed stricter requirements for future NETs would reduce the number of applicants.
Officials are suggesting that such teachers be required to hold a bachelor’s degree majoring in English, a postgraduate teaching qualification and a certificate in teaching English as a second or foreign language.
Currently, applicants only need a degree in any subject and the teaching English certificate.