The proposed senior secondary structure will not give rise to an overall surplus teacher problem, the Education & Manpower Bureau says.

The bureau said it is seeking the school sector's views on the teacher-to-class ratios under the proposed 3+3+4 academic structure, stressing the proposed ratios for the future system are based on the existing average figures and the school sector on the whole will not see a surplus of teachers as a result of the reform.

Since all secondary school students will have the chance to proceed to Senior Secondary 3, as compared to only one-third of Secondary 5 graduates continuing their studies at Secondary 6 at present, the number of classes and the resultant demand for teachers will not diminish, the bureau explained.

1,200 more teachers needed in double-cohort year

In fact, the bureau estimated the majority of schools will see an increase in the number of classes when the new senior secondary structure comes into operation.

By adjusting upwards the teacher-to-class ratio for Secondary 6 and 7 to 2.3, the "double-cohort" year - when Secondary 7 and Senior Secondary 3 classes co-exist - will require an additional 1,200 teachers.

Despite the fact that the new academic structure will not lead to a surplus of secondary school teachers, some individual schools may have too many teachers for reasons such as a change in the class structure and lower enrolment.

Five-year transition period to solve staffing woes

In view of this, the bureau has proposed a five-year transition period to allow the schools ample time to solve their problems and enable ambitious teachers to stay in the profession.

The bureau will consider any schools failing to solve their problems after the transition period on a case-by-case basis.