autonomous school

DEFINITION

Government or government-assisted schools with some autonomy. These schools can provide a wider range of programmes than a normal government school to enhance student experience, and apply for more government funding. However, they still follow the Ministry of Education (MOE) syllabus.

ETYMOLOGY

autonomous schools were established in 1994. They have greater flexibility in their curriculum. The government also provides additional funding for the autonomous schools to develop a more varied learning syllabus.
With regards to school fees, in addition to subsidies given by the government and government-aided schools, students must also pay fees of the autonomous schools.

SAMPLE SENTENCE

The government established 6 autonomous schools this year. They were given an additional 10% in funding. For an autonomous school with 1,500 students, an additional $600,000 in funding was given to provide a wider curriculum for learning. (Lianhe Zaobao, 4/1/1994)

RELATED INFORMATION

Some of the autonomous schools are also SAP schools (Special Assistance Plan schools) including Anglican High School, Catholic High School, Chung Cheng High School (Main), Dunman High School, Nan Hua High School and River Valley High School