Homeschooling in Hong Kong
Homeschooling tolerated case-by-case via EDB non-attendance review, not formally approved.
Homeschooling in Hong Kong is not explicitly authorized but is handled case-by-case by the Education Bureau (EDB) under the Education Ordinance (Cap. 279). Parents must notify EDB of non-attendance, providing educational plans, with potential home visits and no formal approval issued. Failure to satisfy EDB may result in an attendance order requiring school enrollment.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
once
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Sections 74 and 78 of Education Ordinance Cap. 279 require parents to ensure children aged 6-15 attend school regularly.
- EDB handles non-attendance cases by contacting parents and conducting home visits to check educational provision.
- Homeschooling assessed case-by-case; EDB does not disallow as a rule but verifies if parents can provide all-round education.
- Parents may contact EDB by writing or emailing for assessment of homeschooling intentions.
- No formal homeschooling approval or dedicated procedure; cases registered as non-attendance matters.
- Attendance order issued by Permanent Secretary if no reasonable excuse for non-school attendance.
- EDB provides nine years free basic education but monitors homeschooling to ensure child interests.
Legal Framework
Hong Kong's education framework rests on: (1) Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Article 137 (right to develop education); (2) Education Ordinance (Cap. 279 of the Laws of Hong Kong) — establishes compulsory schooling and the attendance-order regime; (3) Education Regulations (subsidiary legislation under Cap. 279); (4) Education (Exemption) (Private Schools Offering Non-formal Curriculum) Order — exempts certain private schools from standard curriculum requirements; (5) Education Bureau Circulars (notably Circular No. 7/2007) on home schooling and exemptions. Section 74 of the Education Ordinance empowers the Permanent Secretary for Education to issue an attendance order against parents whose children of compulsory school age fail to attend school without reasonable excuse. Homeschooling is not statutorily provided for as a parental-choice pathway; it is tolerated in practice on a case-by-case basis when families negotiate with the Education Bureau and demonstrate that the child is receiving suitable education at home. Responsible authority: Education Bureau (EDB) of the Hong Kong SAR Government.
Filing Requirements
When
Upon decision to homeschool
Where
Education Bureau (EDB)
How to submit
Writing or email
What to include
- • Curriculum objectives, methods, content, assessment approach, facilities, equipment, expected outcomes, and background of instructors
Cases registered as non-attendance; no dedicated form or portal[7][2]
How to Get Started
- 1
Contact EDB by writing or email to notify of non-attendance and homeschooling intent
- 2
Submit detailed educational plan including objectives, methods, content, assessment, facilities, and instructor background
- 3
Prepare for EDB inquiries or home visits
- 4
Comply with ongoing monitoring to avoid attendance order
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Legal pathway exists via notification
- ✓Tailored education possible if approved
Cons
- •High scrutiny and uncertainty
- •No formal procedure or approval
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Last updated: 2026-04-26 · HK homeschool law guide