School in Maldives

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development sets national school policy, publishes the curriculum and oversees public-school funding, admission, transfers and registration. The National Curriculum Framework organizes 14 school years into four curriculum levels. Current school statistics group Grades 1–3, 4–6, 7–8, 9–10 and 11–12; older curriculum and education-sector documents use different groupings, so current statistics take priority. Preschool provision includes Baby Nursery, Nursery, LKG and UKG. Schools may combine primary and secondary education, operate as Atoll Education Centres or Atoll Schools, provide regional or urban Higher Secondary education, or follow an Arabic-Islamic model. Higher Secondary education is not available on every island. Public schools are fully funded and operated by the state. Private schools charge fees and must be registered and regulated by the Ministry of Education. Community schools are managed jointly by government and the local community, while availability depends strongly on the island and the school’s capacity. Admission considers age, catchment area, residence and available places. The age cut-off is 31 December before the academic year; the usual entry ages are four for LKG, five for UKG and six for Grade 1. For the 2027 school year, the published online application period ran from 23 July to 10 September 2026. Maldivian applications commonly require the student’s and guardian’s identity documents, a vaccination card and, for LKG where requested, a development milestone form, house registry or rental evidence. Foreign applicants may need a passport, visa, parent’s work permit and vaccination card. Transfers follow a Ministry of Education or school procedure, and a preferred school does not automatically have to offer a place. Compulsory education covers ages 4 to 16, while guardians must enroll children and support regular attendance. Illness, school activities and other approved reasons can justify an absence, and school attendance rules may include extracurricular activities. The state has a wider duty to keep people in education or skills development until age 18, and the right to free education covers ages 4 to 18. Equal education rights include foreign children, but free provision for foreign children can depend on current policy. The national curriculum covers Islam and Spirituality, Language and Communication, Mathematics, Environment, Science and Technology, Health and Wellbeing, Social Sciences, Creative Arts and Entrepreneurship. Dhivehi is taught at every preschool, primary, secondary and Higher Secondary school. Islamic creed and values are compulsory for Maldivian citizens, and Quran and Arabic are included in national subject provision. The teaching language is decided by the school; English is common in government schools, but there is no single national teaching language. For example, Ghaazee School teaches in English except for Dhivehi, Islam and Quran. Grade 10 students may follow SSC, IGCSE or GCE O Level routes. A Cambridge IGCSE or GCE O Level certificate corresponds to Maldives Qualifications Authority Level 3. Grade 12 students may complete the national HSC or Cambridge or Edexcel A Level; HSC subjects include Islamic Tharubiyyathu, Dhivehi Language and Adhabiyyaathu. The National Assessment of Learning Outcomes has covered Grades 7–8 since 2025, with mathematics, English and science assessed in one testing period and Dhivehi and Islam in another. Government schools provide books, stationery and required learning items without charge and commonly provide breakfast in the morning. Transport is not generally guaranteed. When suitable local provision does not exist, the government may finance schooling on another island, making inter-island relocation or transfer relevant. A Level and other examination fees may still apply. The Education Act requires nondiscrimination and inclusive education from preschool through Higher Secondary. The Department of Inclusive Education supports schools through teacher training, screening, referrals, technical guidance, Inclusion Resource Centres and Support Units. Accessible facilities, trained staff, individualized plans, universal design and adaptive support help schools respond to different learning needs. The Department of Public Examinations administers national school examinations, the Quality Assurance Department monitors educational quality, the National Institute of Education develops syllabi, textbooks and teaching methods, and schools and principals apply local admission, attendance, safety and discipline rules.