Program Overview

Introduction to the Preparation for Principalship Course for Aspiring Principals (PFP)

The Chinese University of Hong Kong has been offering the "Preparation for Principalship Course for Aspiring Principals (PFP)" since 2002. This course aims to help aspiring principals attain the "Certification for Principalship (CFP)". To achieve the CFP, aspiring principals must meet specific criteria within a two-year CFP process, including:

• Successful completion of Needs Analysis for Aspiring Principals
• Successful completion of the Preparation for Principalship Course for Aspiring Principals (PFP Course)
• Successful completion of the professional development portfolio

The Education Bureau has accredited The Chinese University of Hong Kong to deliver the PFP Course, which helps participants fulfill the second component of the CFP requirement.

Course Contents

The PFP Course consists of 81 course hours, including:

• 72 lecture hours covering six core areas of leadership
• A 3-hour seminar on “Basic Law”
• 6 hours on the methodologies of conducting action research The six core areas of leadership are:

1. Strategic Direction and Policy Environment
2. Learning, Teaching and Curriculum
3. Teacher Professional Growth and Development
4. Staff and Resources Management
5. Quality Assurance and Accountability
6. External Communication and Connection to the Outside World

Action research follow-up meetings will be arranged to help participants develop an Action Research Project, which will be included in the professional development portfolio. Participants will have six months to engage in their action research projects in a school setting.

Target Participants

The course is open to serving teachers and educational practitioners with five or more years of teaching experience in primary/secondary/special schools and a recognized teacher training qualification. In case of over-subscription, priority for admission will be accorded in descending order as follows:

1. Serving vice-principals/deputy heads in government and aided schools or equivalent
2. Participants who have successfully completed/enrolled in the Needs Analysis for Aspiring Principals
3. Serving middle leaders including Senior Graduate Master/Mistress, Education Officer, Primary School Master/Mistress, and Assistant Master/Mistress
4. Other applicants

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the PFP Course, participants must fulfill the following requirements:

• Attend at least 90% of the six core areas of leadership lecture hours and the Seminar on Basic Law
• Submit one assignment for each of the six core areas of leadership
• Complete an action research project in a school setting

The Certificates will be issued along with transcripts stating the grades gained in the assignments and the action research project.

Medium of Instruction

The medium of instruction is Cantonese, with English as a supplement.

Course Schedule

The course schedule is as follows:

• Cycle 47: 4 November 2025 - 10 February 2026
• Cycle 48: March 2026 - June 2026
• Day: Mainly on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Venue: Campus of The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Application Period

The application period is as follows:

• 1st Round: 18 August 2025 - 5 September 2025
• 2nd Round: 6 September 2025 - 3 October 2025
• 1st Round: 10 November 2025 - 5 December 2025
• 2nd Round: 6 December 2025 - 2 January 2026

Fees

The fees are as follows:

• Application Fee (Non-refundable): HK$200
• Tuition fee for the whole Course: HK$29,900
• Tuition fee for retaking one-third of the course: HK$12,700