Perched in tranquil Tai Po, the tiny Norwegian International School is valued by parents for its community atmosphere, personal approach and the value it places on cultivating children's individuality, its principal says.

But the school finds itself in a dilemma. It must balance its desire to expand with the challenge of a near-impossible struggle against big-name competitors with deep pockets and fees to match who are keen to get a share of the strong demand for school places from both Hongkongers and expatriates.

"Our parents are telling us they really want us to expand", said Aaron Wise, the school's principal. "They are saying when they look at secondary schools they can't find one that does this kind of care for the students and the small setting."