GENERAL
Population:
Area:
ANNEXE VI
HONG KONG
5,674,000 (1991 estimate)
1075 sq km (approx)
hk13
ARTICLE 13: RIGHT TO EDUCATION
Paragraph 1
1. The statutory framework and administrative structure within which education in Hong Kong is conducted and current policy objectives in the field of education are all fully consistent with the principles and aims set out in this article. There is no discrimination on grounds of race, religion or language regarding access to educational facilities.
Paragraph 2(a)
2.
Free primary education was introduced in all Government and aided primary schools (with the exception of a very small number of schools mainly for English-speaking children) in 1971. Free primary education continues to be available for every child in the primary school age group. Primary education normally commences at the age of six years.
3. While primary education is not "compulsory" as such, where it appears to the Director of Education that a parent of a child is witholding a child from attending primary school without any reasonable excuse, the Director may serve upon a parent an attendance order requiring him to cause the child to attend regularly as a pupil of the primary school named in the attendance order. While these powers do not in a strict legal sense constitute compulsory attendance, they are nevertheless intended substantially to achieve the same effect.
Paragraph 2(b)
4.
Secondary education is available to all on completion of the primary course. Free junior secondary education is provided for all primary leavers from standard primary schools. This is a three-year course in Government schools and schools in receipt of aid and other forms of financial assistance from the Government. Technical and pre-vocational schools are included in this provision.