Sound policy: Secretary for Education & Manpower Professor Arthur Li says the school-based management policy is law-abiding and reasonable.

Secretary for Education & Manpower Professor Arthur Li has welcomed the High Court's verdict that school-based management policy complies with the Basic Law, adding that parent participation will not affect school operation.

The Hong Kong Catholic Diocese filed for a judicial review on the policy. The High Court today found in favour of the Government.

Professor Li said the verdict upholds the Government's decision to have parents partake in school affairs. The policy will boost transparency and accountability of school governance and contribute to more effective school operation, he said, calling on school sponsors to focus their resources on education.

Noting the diocese is devoted to education and is the Government's partner, Professor Li said the body will not be affected by the court's ruling.

On the proposed voucher scheme for pre-primary education, Professor Li said the idea requires school sponsoring bodies' support before implementation. Discussions with them will continue to see how to benefit parents best.