More than 70 public schools, or nearly 9 per cent, have joined a new scheme in Hong Kong to hire native English-speaking teachers (NETs) that offers lower pay but higher recruitment flexibility.
Under the scheme launched this academic year, operators were given a grant to hire such teachers, to enhance the effectiveness of English-language instruction and increase students’ exposure to the language.
“In the 2025-26 school year, a total of 73 aided schools – 28 primary schools and 45 secondary schools – opted to receive the NET grant,” a spokeswoman for the Education Bureau told the South China Morning Post.
The 73 account for 8.7 per cent of Hong Kong’s 838 public primary and secondary schools.
Each primary or secondary school that opts for the NET grant receives HK$900,000 (US$114,900) and HK$1 million respectively every academic year under the scheme, covering all costs including basic salaries, contract gratuity and fringe benefits. Schools determine teachers’ pay packages.
Schools can use the grant to hire at least one native English-speaking teacher and qualified teaching assistants, and to subscribe to English learning services run by relevant service providers.
