Background

The core mission of education is cultivating values and nurturing people.  Principals are not only disseminators, practitioners and leaders of education, but also linchpins of school education and are assumed primary responsibility for decision-making in schools.  The professional competence and vision of the principals are thus of paramount importance.  All along the EDB enhances the principals’ professionalism through various initiatives, enabling them to lead effectively in the ongoing development of their schools. 

In addition to formulating continuing professional development (CPD) requirements and providing structured professional training tailored to the needs of aspiring principals (APs), newly appointed principals (NAPs) and serving principals (SPs) at different stages, the EDB has introduced the “Professional Standards for Principals of Hong Kong”  with a view to encouraging principals to reflect on their professional growth and fulfil their three professional roles, namely “Ethical Enablers”, “Versatile Architects” and “Visionary Edupreneurs”, thereby effectively steering their schools towards the vision of delivering quality education.

EDB Circular No. 17/2025 was issued to inform the details of CPD and the training requirements for principals at various stages (including APs, NAPs and SPs).  The key contents are:

Aspiring Principals (APs)

(a)     With effect from the 2004/05 school year, APs have to attain the Certification for Principalship (CFP), in addition to complying with the appointment conditions in force at the time, before they could be considered for appointment for principalship.

Newly Appointed Principals (NAPs)

(b)    From the 2002/03 school year, NAPs must complete the Designated Professional Development Programme within the first three years of their principalship.

Serving Principals (SPs)

(c)     With effect from the 2002/03 school year, SPs are required to participate in at least 150 hours of CPD activities in every three-year cycle, approximately 50 hours per year.  They can engage in CPD activities organised by the EDB, school sponsoring bodies, tertiary institutions or non-governmental organisations in accordance with their personal development needs, the schools’ needs and the policy-driven needs.