The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) has called on Hanoi’s Department of Education and Training (DoET) to investigate and address alleged violations of private tutoring regulations, following a televised report revealing widespread non-compliance.

On April 22, Chuyen Dong 24h on VTV1 aired an investigative report exposing unauthorized extra classes at a private tutoring center in Chua Lang Street, Dong Da District.

The report noted that nearly 500 students - most from a nearby public secondary school - attended daily classes in subjects such as Math, Literature, English, and Science, with tuition fees around VND 2 million (approx. USD 78) per month.

One parent remarked, “If it’s truly voluntary, how come the whole class goes? If my child doesn’t attend, they’ll fall behind.”

In response, the MoET issued a formal request to Hanoi’s DoET to verify the allegations and, if confirmed, to strictly enforce regulations under Circular 29/2024 on private tutoring. Results of the investigation are to be submitted by April 30.

Hanoi shuts down illegal tutoring center teaching 600 students

Hanoi’s Department of Education and Training has confirmed the closure of the Vietnam-Russia Cultural Tutoring Center in Dong Da District after discovering multiple violations of Circular 29. The shutdown took effect at 12 p.m. on April 23.

The center was found to be teaching nearly 600 secondary students across two facilities. One of these locations - a private residence - was not licensed for educational activities, despite being used as an extension classroom.

The inspection, conducted jointly by the district education office, municipal police (PA03), and other authorities, found 29 teachers working at the center. Key violations included the absence of publicly posted course details, schedules, teacher lists, and tuition rates.

Furthermore, the center lacked properly signed contracts for four teachers, with several contracts missing essential information such as job descriptions and working hours.

The center also failed to present documentation related to tuition collection or fire safety compliance.

Following these findings, the inspection team ordered the center to cease all operations and immediately inform parents and students. The center was also directed to fulfill its financial obligations and protect student rights.

Authorities have tasked the local ward, Lang Thuong, with overseeing the center’s compliance with the closure order. Meanwhile, the district education department is coordinating with Lang Thuong Secondary School and other schools in the area to reinforce adherence to Circular 29 across all institutions.

The MoET emphasized that private tutoring must be closely regulated and that provincial authorities bear full responsibility for enforcement. Despite an earlier meeting in March to review the rollout of Circular 29, some provinces remain slow to issue local guidelines, and confusion among school staff persists.

Thanh Hung