“Following the Review of foreign government/organisation support for language education in NSW government schools, the NSW Department of Education will be ending its Confucius program in 13 schools,” NSW Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott said.

“The review found the Confucius Institute program arrangement with NSW Department of Education is unique and the program is better placed with a higher education provider.

“The department has accepted all the review recommendations and already begun work on implementing them.

“Confucius Institute students make up 15 per cent of Chinese language students in NSW public schools.”

Mr Scott said Chinese language classes at the 13 schools included in the Confucius agreement will continue after the arrangement with Hanban ends, at the end of the year. This will ensure continuity of learning into the 2020 school year.

“Schools will have certainty and clarity by getting a six month transition to the Chinese language classes I have announced today,” he added.

“The Confucius classrooms will continue to be supervised by a NSW Department of Education teacher.

“We will continue to deliver first-class Chinese language and cultural programs to students in NSW public schools.

The Review of foreign government/organisation support for language education in NSW government schools can be found on the department’s website including the full report and our response to each of the recommendations.

The 13 schools impacted by this announcement include:

• Chatswood Public School
• Kensington Public School
• Hurstville South Public School
• Rouse Hill Public School
• Coffs Harbour High School
• Fort Street High School
• Kingsgrove North High School
• Mosman High School
• Rooty Hill High School
• Bonnyrigg High School
• Chatswood High School
• Concord High School
• Homebush Boys' High School.