The Ministry of Education has revealed that 4,790 students have applied for admission to Grade 1 in government schools for the new academic year.
The ministry said that, as in previous years, around 1,500 students have moved from the atolls to the capital. Preparations are currently underway by the education ministry and schools ahead of the start of the new academic year, with arrangements for new Grade 1 students forming a key part of the process.
According to the ministry, 3,042 students have applied for Grade 1 placements from schools in the atolls, while 1,748 students have applied to schools in the Malé region. This year, 1,530 students have requested transfers from atoll schools to schools in the city, while 836 students have requested transfers from the city to schools in Hulhumale'.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister of Education Ismail Shafeeu said the sector is fully prepared to commence the new academic year. He said schools will reopen with adequate teachers and textbooks in place.
“One of the top priorities every year is to ensure teachers and books are ready. God willing, these will be completed by the time schools reopen this year,” the minister said.
The government is also working to establish additional schools in the Malé region, as demand continues to rise due to changes in the distribution of the student population. As part of this effort, around 1,900 students have applied for admission to the newly opened Shaheed Ali School.
The ministry began distributing textbooks to schools in the atolls in December last year, with the process expected to be completed before the start of the academic year. The ministry also confirmed that essential repair works were carried out at schools during the holidays.