The following is issued on behalf of the Education Commission:

The Education Commission (EC) discussed the consultation paper on Leadership Training Programme for Principals at its meeting today (Monday).

The Chairman, Mr Antony Leung, said : "We welcome the publication of the consultation document. In line with the development of school-based management, the school principals play a vital role in providing quality education for our students. The proposed leadership training programme is intended to enhance the professionalism of the principals and contribute to the development of quality education in Hong Kong."

"The Education Commission urges the education sector and the community at large to give their views on the proposals in the consultation document," Mr Leung said.

Members were also briefed by Professor K M Cheng and Mr Tai Hay-lap, the two Working Group Chairmen, on the review of the education system.

Mr Leung said : "We are pleased with the progress made by the two Working Groups and Sub-groups in the deliberation of various issues. We expect to have some initial proposals by the end of the year."

Ends/Monday, June 28, 1999