A Shenzhen-based tutorial centre facing scrutiny from SAR education authorities has stressed it was merely helping with student enrolment for a Hong Kong private secondary school, after giving the impression it may conduct university entrance exam courses at the local institution without registering.

The centre, Capture Star, earlier promoted a Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exam programme for the 2025 academic year that was said to be in partnership with Tsung Tsin Middle School in Cheung Sha Wan, with annual fees set at up to HK$190,000.

In a promotion on social media, the centre said Tsung Tsin would offer registered student status, a school campus and hardware facilities while Capture Star would be responsible for teaching the DSE programme, developing the curriculum and offering further education counselling.

But the Education Bureau said it had not received an application from the tutorial centre to operate a school or run courses at the school's premises in Cheung Sha Wan.

Authorities also said they are taking law enforcement action against the centre for recruiting students into its programmes before being approved as a registered school.

In its response on Friday, Capture Star said it had not assisted the private secondary school with student admissions and had only promoted the course in Shenzhen.

"Capture Star is only acting as an agent in recruiting pupils for Tsung Tsin Middle School and has not been conducting any courses at the school," it said in a statement.

"Pupils whom Tsung Tsin intends to admit are attending classes at the school and all teaching staff are teachers from the school.

"The company reserves the right to pursue legal redress against anyone who publishes or disseminates false statements that undermine the company's reputation."

RTHK has contacted Tsung Tsin for comment.