School education services come under the Education Ordinance (Cap. 279). School operators must comply with the provisions of the ordinance and the Education Regulations covering areas such as registration of schools, teachers and managers, health and safety requirements, fees and charges and teacher qualifications. A comprehensive review of the Education Ordinance and the Education Regulations was conducted in 2000. To better meet the present day operational needs of schools and the Education Department, the Administration introduced an Education (Amendment) Bill in the 2000-01 legislative session to update a number of provisions of the ordinance and the regulations.

The Vocational Training Council Ordinance provides for the establishment, functions and management of the Vocational Training Council, which is the main body responsible for vocational education and technical training. The Post-Secondary Colleges Ordinance (Cap. 320) covers institutions offering post-secondary courses outside the tertiary sector. The Education Scholarships Fund Ordinance (Cap. 1085) provides for the administration of scholarships donated by members of the public.

The Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance (Cap. 493) took effect in June 1997 to protect Hong Kong consumers by guarding against the marketing of sub-standard non-local courses conducted in Hong Kong.