Hong Kong authorities have issued letters to local schools to warn them against working with third-party agencies to offer classes for students outside the city without prior approval, as part of a crackdown on so-called shell institutions.
Advertisement
Jeff Sze Chun-fai, the acting secretary for education, said on Sunday that the government was “seriously concerned” about reports that some schools in the city had partnered with agencies based in mainland China to offer classes that would allow students to apply for subsidised university places, which are reserved for Hongkongers.
“We have issued letters to all private and public schools, reminding them not to collaborate with any third party to open courses or charge [students] for those without the Education Bureau’s approval,” Sze said in a televised interview.
He added that officials had met school sponsoring bodies, education groups and parents to explain the crackdown.
“We also encourage schools or relevant stakeholders to report any suspected irregularities so as to safeguard the reputation of Hong Kong’s education system … We don’t want to see our reputation jeopardised by a small group of black sheep,” he said.
Advertisement
Sze said schools were also asked to submit lists of pupils to the bureau, and their records of attendance, to help stamp out the enrolment of “shadow students” who never showed up to class.