EDB Launches Private School List for Parents' Reference on Selecting Schools in Hong Kong

EDB announces Private School List

The Education Bureau (EDB) announced today (July 29) the Private School List (the List), listing 91 private schools offering formal primary and secondary curricula (including international schools) for parents' reference when selecting private schools.

A spokesman for the EDB said, "To implement the enhancement measures as introduced in the Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address, the EDB released the Code of Practice for Private Schools at the beginning of this year, providing clear operation and management standards for the private school sector. Subsequently, schools were invited to join the List, with a view to promoting the diversified development of Hong Kong's education system while strengthening governance of the sector, striving for excellence, and building a brand of quality education for Hong Kong together."

Participation in the List is on a voluntary basis, reflecting a prudent policy balance between regulating school governance and school-led operations. The EDB aims to establish a clear set of operation standards for the private school sector, encourage healthy competition, continuously enhance educational standards, and demonstrate to society the schools' commitment to enhancing governance and compliant operations.

Schools included in the List have been thoroughly considered and recommended by the Advisory Committee on Private Schools established by the EDB, with the recommendations accepted by the EDB. All listed schools have been confirmed to have met the designated standards in key areas including compliance with relevant legislation and requirements, good school governance, and safeguarding the well-being and rights of the key stakeholders.

The spokesman stressed that all schools operating in Hong Kong, whether they are included in the List or not, must comply with the registration and daily operational standards under the Education Ordinance and the Education Regulations. Schools not included in the List remain subject to the regulation of the EDB.

The EDB reminds parents that the List only serves as a reference. When selecting a school, parents still need to conduct a comprehensive and objective assessment, proactively look into schools' operational status, financial stability, enrolment performance and long-term development plans. They should also communicate directly with the schools to make informed and prudent decisions.

Starting today, members of the public can view the List and relevant school information on the EDB dedicated webpage on "Private Schools Offering Formal Curriculum" (www.edb.gov.hk/en/private-sch-formal-curriculum). The List will be updated on an ongoing basis.

The Education Bureau, Photo source: reference image

Man sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment for smuggling dried seahorses

A 69-year-old Indonesian man, who smuggled dried seahorses into Hong Kong, was convicted at the District Court today (July 29) for violating the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) and sentenced to10 months'imprisonment.

A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said that the male passenger arrived at Hong Kong International Airport from Bangkok, Thailand, on September 16 last year. Upon inspection of the man's luggage by Customs officers, a batch of suspected controlled dried seahorses was found concealed among food items in an attempt to evade detection. AFCD officers attended the scene, examined the specimens and confirmed that they were controlled dried seahorses, weighing a total of 6.18 kilograms, with an estimated market value of about $150,000. The man was prosecuted by the AFCD for illegal import of specimens of endangered species. He was convicted at the District Court today, and the court adopted a starting point of 15 months' imprisonment for sentencing. With a one-third reduction given for his guilty plea, the defendant was sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment.

Seahorses are listed in Appendix II to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and are regulated under the Ordinance in Hong Kong. Any person who imports, exports or possesses specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 yearswith the specimens forfeited.

The spokesman said, "The Government is committed to protecting endangered species. The AFCD and Hong Kong Customs will remain vigilant and continue to monitor and combat illegal activities involving endangered species."

Members of the public may call 1823 to report any suspected irregularities to the AFCD and visit the AFCD website at www.cites.hk for information on the control of endangered species in Hong Kong.

A 69-year-old Indonesian man, who smuggled dried seahorses into Hong Kong, was convicted at the District Court today (July 29) for violating the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) and sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment. Photo shows the dried seahorses found in the man's luggage. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases