Hong Kong steps up scrutiny of private schools
Education Bureau releases code of practice for private primary and secondary schools
The Education Bureau released a code of practice on Friday for private primary and secondary schools, following reports of poor management – including some allegedly offering unauthorised courses and collecting fees from parents without approval.
The document said the bureau might issue an advisory or warning letter to private schools that breached the code. It would also consider previous cases of non-compliance when operators sought its approval for applications for registrations, government subsidies, and fee revisions and collections.
“If the management of a school is unsatisfactory, the permanent secretary for education may direct the school to take remedial measures,” the paper said.
“If the situation is serious, the permanent secretary for education may order the school to cease operations and/or cancel the registration or provisional registration of the school.”
The bureau stressed that it would follow up seriously on private schools involved in non-compliance issues or illegal acts.
The document set out basic requirements for good practices and would be used as a “reference basis” for school inspections, the bureau said.