China may ban for-profit, private elementary and middle schools in a move likely to tighten government control of education and cool a fast-growing but poorly regulated sector.

Leaders of the country's legislature are considering changes to a law this week that would make it illegal to run profit-making private schools for students in the first through ninth grades, an age group that is entitled to free, compulsory education from the state.

Caixin magazine reported on its website late on Tuesday the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress was likely to pass draft changes when it wrapped up a meeting early next week.