e-Bulletin for Parents - 3 July 2026

Textbooks for the New School Year: A Three-Step Guide to Purchasing Textbooks Smartly

　 As the summer holidays approach and you receive your child’s textbook list for the new school year, do you wonder how to get all the required textbooks ready? To assist parents in planning ahead properly, reducing expenses and avoiding unnecessary hassle, the Education Bureau (EDB) has specially prepared “A Three-Step Guide to Purchasing Textbooks Smartly”, so that you may get the textbooks ready for the new school year with ease and welcome the new school year together with your children.

Step 1：Be prepared - know the textbook list

　　The EDB has always advised parents to purchase or pre-order textbooks for their children as early as possible to avoid last-minute hassle. Upon receiving the textbook list, please first check the details, such as textbook titles, editions and publisher information, to avoid buying the wrong books. Textbooks marked as “Reprinted” or “Reprinted with Minor Amendments” (RMA) usually involve minor amendments or updates and do not constitute new editions. Parents may choose, based on their actual needs, to purchase new textbooks or use second-hand copies of the previous editions. Before making a purchase, you may visit the EDB “Textbook Information” webpage (https://www.edb.gov.hk/en/curriculum-development/resource-support/textbook-info/index.html) for the latest textbook supply information.

Step 2：Be resourceful - buy flexibly

　　If your children already have some of the learning materials on the textbook list that can still be used (such as dictionaries, maps, or religious texts), there is no need to repurchase them. Parents opting for second-hand textbooks simply need to purchase any of the remaining learning materials on the textbook list (such as e-learning accounts, workbooks, or worksheets) from the school, bookstores, or publishers. In addition, if the school arranges for a bulk purchase of textbooks, parents are encouraged to participate to enjoy more favourable prices.

Step 3：Be informed - scan for instant updates

　　The EDB has introduced a new section, “Latest Amendment Information for Recommended Textbooks”, on the “Textbook Information” webpage (https://www.edb.gov.hk/en/curriculum-development/resource-support/textbook-info/corrigenda/index.html), where parents, students, teachers and the public can view the latest updates on the relevant textbooks by scanning the QR codes. Furthermore, starting from January 2026, when publishers print new copies or reprints of textbooks already included in the Recommended Textbook List (RTL), a QR code will be printed on the title page, enabling students to easily access the latest textbook revision updates. You may also refer to the e-pamphlet “Tips for Purchasing Textbooks” (www.edb.gov.hk/textbook_tips_e) and the video “Smart Tips for Buying Textbooks” (https://emm.edcity.hk/media/1_wa5hun6j) learn more practical tips for purchasing and using new and second-hand textbooks.

　　If you have further questions about purchasing textbooks, please contact the Curriculum Development Institute via the Textbook Information Hotline at 3698 3947.

“Textbook Information” Website

Latest Amendment Information for Recommended Textbooks

“Tips for Purchasing Textbooks” e-Pamphlet

“Smart Tips for Buying Textbooks” Video