School Registration
Under the Education Ordinance, any institution providing courses to 20 or more individuals per day, or 8 or more individuals simultaneously, must apply for a ‘Certificate of Registration of a School’ or ‘Certificate of Provisional Registration of a School’
Licence Exemption
Institutions offering hobby courses (e.g., pottery, floral design, cooking) and with participant numbers below the threshold are exempt. However, courses covering core subjects like Chinese, English, or Mathematics require a licence regardless of participant numbers.
School Premises Requirements
- Zoning Compliance: The premises must meet the land lease and zoning requirements.
- Sanitary Facilities: Adequate separate facilities for male and female students are required.
- Ceiling Height: Classrooms must have a minimum ceiling height of 2.75 meters.
- Safety Exits: Rooms or floors accommodating 30 or more individuals must have at least two exits of sufficient width.
Benefits of an Education Licence
- Legal Operation: Ensures the school operates legally.
- Government Subsidies: Qualified schools can apply for education subsidies.
- Increased Credibility: Builds trust with parents and students.
- Competitive Advantage: Enhances the school’s market position.
- Quality Assurance: Guarantees compliance with educational laws and standards.
FAQs
Consult the Education Bureau’s School Registration and Compliance Section and attend their briefing sessions. Confirm with the Planning Department and Lands Department that the proposed location complies with relevant ordinances and land lease conditions.
The initial inspection requires 14-22 working days, followed by 10 working days for issuing a provisional registration certificate after all documents are approved.
For school license applications, no part of the school can be higher than 24 meters above ground level.
APPLICATION PROCESS
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