The Need of Boarding Education for Junior Secondary Students in Hong Kong

Abstract

The provision of boarding schools in comparison to day schools among the elementary or secondary levels seems to be declining as schooling becomes compulsory. Little research has been conducted in this area. Due to the increase of emotional and behavioral disordered students and divorced and separated families in recent years, some students may benefit more from the life of boarding education. Boarding schools can also help to reduce the unequal supply of school places in different districts, especially following the introduction of compulsory education which implies sufficient elementary and secondary school places close to where the students live. A survey on the need of boarding education for junior secondary students was carried out among their guardians in Hong Kong. The response rate was 80% and some of the results agreed with other reputable studies, About 7.95% of the guardians would like to send their children to boarding schools if places are available. The boarding provisions in Hong Kong were far from enough and building more boarding schools was recommended.