Enhancing governance of private schools: Building quality education brand for Hong Kong together

     Hong Kong’s education quality has been internationally recognised.  Our education system is world-renowned for its diversity, excellence and inclusiveness. This not only reflects the Government’s long-term commitment to and significant investment in education, but also demonstrates the education sector’s dedication to promoting quality education and providing diverse learning experiences for students of varying abilities, and backgrounds, thereby nurturing talent for and attracting talent to Hong Kong.  

     The Government has been supporting diversity in school operations. Apart from publicly-funded schools, parents may choose private schools (including international schools) that offer a formal curriculum according to the needs of their children. Private schools are part of Hong Kong’s education system. Unlike publicly-funded schools, private schools offer formal local and/or non-local curricula, operate on a self-financing model, and enjoy flexibility in the medium of instruction, curriculum arrangements and public examination choices. However, all private schools must operate in compliance with the Education Ordinance, the Education Regulations, other relevant laws and the guidelines issued by the Education Bureau (EDB) from time to time.

Code of Practice formulated to ensure compliance in school operations

     To further strengthen the international competitiveness of Hong Kong's education system and promote high-quality and sustainable development of the education sector, the EDB announced the Code of Practice for Private Schools today.  Integrating the Education Ordinance, the Education Regulations and other applicable guidelines relevant to private schools, the Code provides clear and practical management and operation guidelines on school management, school finance, personnel management, school premises and safety measures, learning and teaching, and student affairs, ensuring that schools operate under a robust governance framework and keep enhancing their education quality and management standards.

     In drafting the Code, the EDB has given due consideration to the unique circumstances of private schools, and the management and curricular flexibility and freedom necessary for them to operate under a market model in response to the ever-changing social environment and students’ learning needs. At the same time, the EDB must respond to urgent societal expectations regarding the regulation of private schools and recognise parents’ growing concerns about the education services provided by private schools.

     The Code will help ensure that the management of schools is satisfactory, safeguarding students’ well-being and the interests of parents.  In fact, most private schools operate in compliance with existing regulations, and this is anticipated to remain unchanged following the release of the Code.  Nevertheless, the Code provides an effective regulatory framework that prevents a few black sheep from affecting the reputation of Hong Kong’s quality education system.  In the event that a school is found to be non-compliant, the EDB will follow up seriously and handle the case in accordance with relevant legislations.

Positive feedback from sector representatives

     Earlier, the EDB held a briefing on the contents of the Code for representatives from the private school sector. It was well received with positive responses.  The representatives agreed that the sector’s compliance and ongoing refinement of school-based policies would help improve education quality.

     The EDB has established a designated website on “Private Schools Offering Formal Curriculum” (www.edb.gov.hk/en/private-sch-formal-curriculum) to facilitate stakeholders’ and public access to the latest information on private schools.  In addition, the EDB will hold a briefing session for private schools in March to explain the contents of the Code and related arrangements.

Private School List to set standards

     Following today’s promulgation of the Code, the EDB will announce details of the Private School List this year, including the conditions and application procedures for inclusion in the List. The EDB is in communication with the sector, providing it with explanation on the arrangements for the List. It is hoped that the List will serve as reference for parents in choosing private schools and help establish sector-wide standards for joint improvement of the standards of school operations.

Ongoing optimisation and enhancing accountability  

     The Code released today is a pilot version.  The EDB will continue to optimise the Code in response to societal expectations and feedback from the sector, thereby enhancing the accountability and governance of private schools. We believe that, through collaborative efforts, all private schools can steadily forge ahead by improving their governance and professionalism. This not only provides students with a superior educational experience, but also nurtures future talent for Hong Kong and strengthens the solid foundation for the city to develop as an international education hub, propelling its educational endeavours to new heights.

30 January 2026