The Education, Art and Culture Ministry is concerned about the mushrooming of unregistered private schools. Permanent-Secretary Sanet Steenkamp says the Education Act 16 of 2001 requires that any registered private school or tuition centre should be issued with a certificate of registration. Speaking on the NBC Radio Current Affairs World At Six program this morning, Steenkamp said the ministry would take legal action against any unregistered private school, including closing it down. She says parents, guardians, the public and stakeholders in education should demand the certificate of registration from any private school or tuition centre before enrolling their children. Steenkamp said the ministry knew of a school in Khomas and another in Omusati region operating without registration. She said the Office of the Attorney General has been consulted for advice on both schools. There are currently 1 790 schools in the country, of which 129 are registered as private schools and 14 as part-time tuition centres. Application forms for the registration of a private school are available at the Directorate of Education, Arts and Culture offices countrywide.