Up to 30% of private schools in Saudi expected to close down – report

Numerous private schools in Saudi Arabia may be forced to shut down following the implementation of a new registration system in the kingdom.

Up to 30 per cent of all private schools in the kingdom are expected to close as Saudi’s education ministry implements its Tadaruj system, local daily Saudi Gazette reported.

The system will prevent the registration of any school that operates in a building that is not originally constructed for a school.

All private and international schools will have to start registering in the system by July 2 through certified engineering offices, the report added.

The ministry issued new rules about a year ago requiring private schools to stop operating in rented buildings and move to buildings more suitable for education within two academic years.

This meant some 3,000 small and medium private schools across the kingdom faced closure including almost half of the private schools in Jeddah.

Read more: More than half of Jeddah’s private schools face closure

In March, it was reported that the Saudi Arabia’s education ministry had modified the plan following a backlash from schools.

The new rules will allow schools to operate in their existing premises if they follow all safety and security procedures and have a plan to renovate and develop the rented buildings, local daily Saudi Gazette reported.

Investors are required to submit detailed information on the building, and if it achieves 75 points or more, it is eligible to be operated as a school.

If it receives less then the investors are told where the building needs to be improved, according to the publication.

Also read: Saudi partnership to invest $1.3bn in 100 international schools