Hong Kong Tightens Oversight of Private Schools with New Code of Practice
Education authorities introduce stronger regulatory framework to address management irregularities and protect students’ interests
Hong Kong’s Education Bureau has moved to strengthen scrutiny of private primary and secondary schools by issuing a comprehensive Code of Practice that outlines expectations for governance, financial management and student services.
The new guidelines are aimed at tackling a series of recent concerns about private school management, including unauthorised curricula, fee-collection practices and collaborations with external entities that may have misled parents and students.
The bureau said schools that fail to comply with the code could face escalating measures, from advisory or warning letters to mandatory remedial actions, and in serious cases, orders to cease operations or cancellation of registration.
The Code of Practice also establishes clearer standards for school inspections and will serve as a reference for future approvals of registrations, government subsidies and fee adjustments.
Officials emphasised that strengthening oversight is vital to maintaining educational quality and safeguarding the interests of families and the wider community as the private sector continues to grow.
In recent months, authorities have acted against schools alleged to be working with third-party agencies to offer unregistered courses or to facilitate student enrolments in ways that circumvent normal admissions processes.
The new regulatory framework reflects a broader effort to ensure that private education providers operate transparently, within legal and professional norms, and that students receive recognised and valuable learning experiences.
Education Bureau representatives said they will follow up seriously on reported non-compliance and have pledged to monitor implementation as part of an ongoing commitment to enhancing educational standards across all sectors in Hong Kong.
The new guidelines are aimed at tackling a series of recent concerns about private school management, including unauthorised curricula, fee-collection practices and collaborations with external entities that may have misled parents and students.
The bureau said schools that fail to comply with the code could face escalating measures, from advisory or warning letters to mandatory remedial actions, and in serious cases, orders to cease operations or cancellation of registration.
The Code of Practice also establishes clearer standards for school inspections and will serve as a reference for future approvals of registrations, government subsidies and fee adjustments.
Officials emphasised that strengthening oversight is vital to maintaining educational quality and safeguarding the interests of families and the wider community as the private sector continues to grow.
In recent months, authorities have acted against schools alleged to be working with third-party agencies to offer unregistered courses or to facilitate student enrolments in ways that circumvent normal admissions processes.
The new regulatory framework reflects a broader effort to ensure that private education providers operate transparently, within legal and professional norms, and that students receive recognised and valuable learning experiences.
Education Bureau representatives said they will follow up seriously on reported non-compliance and have pledged to monitor implementation as part of an ongoing commitment to enhancing educational standards across all sectors in Hong Kong.
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