Struggling private school in Hong Kong reportedly neglected payment to teachers, housing students in dormitories infested with rats.
Inno Secondary School, a private institution located in Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, finds itself in the midst of controversy. The school, which is currently suspended by authorities, is facing serious allegations of unpaid wages to teachers and unsanitary living conditions for students in its dormitories.
Teachers at the school have reported receiving only half their July wages, with the remainder still unpaid as of mid-August 2025. Moreover, the school has failed to contribute to staff members’ Mandatory Provident Fund retirement schemes, leading some teachers to file complaints with the Hong Kong Labour Department. Attempts to contact the school's principal have been unsuccessful, and some teachers are considering legal action.
The situation worsened when parents reported finding rat feces on beds in the student dormitories, indicating very poor sanitation. These unsanitary conditions have left many parents and teachers concerned about the well-being of the students.
The Education Bureau rejected Inno Secondary School's registration application in late July 2025, citing "unsatisfactory management and financial situation" and concerns about the school’s involvement with third-party agencies helping non-local students qualify for subsidized university programs. The school had recently offered a program involving study in mainland China before completing final years in Hong Kong, which further raised regulatory scrutiny.
The Education Bureau is actively investigating institutions that collaborate with agents running "shell schools" to secure local student status improperly, and has confirmed no official application for a new campus registration from Inno Secondary School.
In summary, Inno Secondary School is currently under investigation for financial mismanagement, unpaid wages, and unsanitary living conditions. The school's registration application was rejected, and its principal has been unresponsive to staff inquiries. The Education Bureau is working to ensure the integrity of the education system and the well-being of students and staff in schools across Hong Kong.
[1] South China Morning Post. (2025, August 18). Inno Secondary School in Kowloon Tong suspended over unpaid wages, unsanitary dorm conditions. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3163990/inno-secondary-school-kowloon-tong-suspended-over-unpaid
[2] The Standard. (2025, August 18). Inno Secondary School in Kowloon Tong suspended over unpaid wages, unsanitary dorm conditions. Retrieved from https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/3/153204/Inno-Secondary-School-in-Kowloon-Tong-suspended-over-unpaid-wages-unsanitary-dorm-conditions
- The controversy surrounding Inno Secondary School has extended beyond its education-and-self-development offerings, with the school facing allegations of unpaid wages and unsanitary living conditions, prompting investigations from general-news outlets like South China Morning Post and The Standard.
- Amid the ongoing investigations into Inno Secondary School's financial mismanagement, crime-and-justice proceedings may become relevant as teachers consider legal action to secure their unpaid wages and Mandatory Provident Fund contributions, contributing to the school's tarnished reputation in the education sector.
