In a decisive step aimed at enhancing the quality and safety of the educational environment in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Education announced the cancellation of licenses for 74 private schools across the Kingdom. This decision follows the detection of significant violations related to non-compliance with approved regulations and requirements, placing the safety of students and the quality of their academic achievement as a top priority.
Reasons for cancellation: Fundamental violations related to safety and operation
The ministry explained that the cancellation decision was not made hastily, but rather followed a series of monitoring measures and escalating warnings that went unheeded by the schools in question. The main violations that necessitated this strict measure centered on two key points:
- Lack of an operating license: Some schools continue to operate without a valid operating license, which is a clear violation of the regulations governing the private education sector.
- Lack of a safety certificate: These facilities lack a safety license approved by the General Directorate of Civil Defense, which is an essential requirement that cannot be compromised to ensure the protection of students and school staff from any potential risks.
The ministry stressed that the continuation of these violations raised the level of risk and showed the inability of the licensees to meet the basic operational requirements, which necessitated immediate intervention to protect the public interest.
General context: Ensuring the quality of education within the framework of Vision 2030
This decision falls within the broader framework of the Kingdom's efforts to develop the education sector, a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030. The Vision aims to raise the quality of educational outcomes and provide a stimulating and safe learning environment that meets international standards. The private education sector is a strategic partner in achieving these goals; however, this partnership requires full adherence to regulations that ensure the provision of distinguished educational services. The Ministry of Education continuously reviews and updates its requirements to ensure the sector keeps pace with developments and addresses challenges, making oversight visits a vital tool for ensuring compliance and improving performance.
Students' fate: A comprehensive plan to ensure the continuity of their education
Recognizing the importance of ensuring students' educational progress is not disrupted, the Ministry of Education has developed an urgent and flexible plan to accommodate all students affected by the decision. The Ministry affirmed that it will facilitate their transition and guarantee their academic stability through the following options:
- Direct admission to government schools: Students transferred from these schools will be immediately admitted to government schools near their places of residence.
- Freedom to choose alternative private schools: The Ministry has given parents the option to transfer their children to any other private school they wish, while providing the necessary support to facilitate the transfer process.
These measures aim to ensure that students do not interrupt their studies and to provide them with a suitable learning environment without delay.
Expected impact: A firm message to promote competitiveness and quality
This decision sends a clear message to all investors in the private education sector: strict adherence to regulations and standards is essential. This measure is expected to enhance competitiveness within the sector, encouraging compliant schools to excel and facilitating the exit of facilities unable to meet quality and safety requirements. In the long run, this will benefit students and parents by ensuring they receive a high-quality education in a safe and reliable environment, thereby strengthening the Kingdom's educational reputation both domestically and internationally.
