What Changed
- Mandatory practising certificates valid for up to three school years will be required for all teachers and principals in Hong Kong SAR.
- A statutory mechanism will be established to handle teacher registration for individuals convicted of offences endangering national security.
- The Bill is scheduled for gazetting on November 13, 2026, with First and Second Readings in LegCo on November 25, 2026.
The Hong Kong SAR Government announced on November 12, 2026, that it will gazette the Education (Amendment) Bill 2026 on November 13, 2026, before introducing it to the Legislative Council (LegCo) for First Reading and Second Reading on November 25, 2026. The proposed draft legislation affects all teachers and principals, as well as publicly-funded, private, international schools, and kindergartens operating within the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The primary objective of the Bill is to enhance the existing teacher registration mechanism by establishing statutory practising certificate requirements alongside existing registration obligations. Under the proposed provisions, all teachers and school principals across all covered school types in Hong Kong SAR must possess both teacher registration and a practising certificate to serve in schools. Practising certificates will have a maximum validity period of no more than three school years. To obtain a practising certificate, teachers must fulfill mandatory continuing professional development requirements designed to keep their knowledge and pedagogy aligned with current educational policies and societal needs.
Additionally, the Bill establishes statutory safeguards to handle teacher registration matters for persons convicted of offences endangering national security (OENS). According to the Education Bureau (EDB), these provisions aim to prevent individuals convicted of such offences from teaching in schools, maintain public confidence, and protect student well-being.
The EDB stated that it referenced teacher registration systems in other jurisdictions and licensing models of various professions in Hong Kong when drafting the proposal. Sector consultations began in September 2025, and the LegCo Panel on Education was consulted on February 6, 2026. The source does not provide specific entry-into-force or application dates for the Bill.
Who May Be Affected
Teachers, principals, publicly-funded schools, private schools, international schools, and kindergartens in Hong Kong SAR.
Cross-Border Context
Applies to international schools, foreign educators, and educational management bodies operating within Hong Kong SAR.
What to check next
- Gazette publication of the Bill on November 13, 2026.
- EDB webpage updates at www.edb.gov.hk/eo_amendments_2026/en.
- Legislative proceedings during LegCo First and Second Readings on November 25, 2026.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.