New legislation introduces stricter standards for schools, enhanced support for students, stronger teacher accountability, and greater private sector participation in education.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has approved the executive and regulatory provisions of its new General Education Law, marking one of the Kingdom’s most comprehensive reforms of the K-12 education system in recent years.

According to the Saudi Gazette, the legislation establishes a unified legal framework governing education from nursery through Grade 12 and is designed to modernise the sector in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The new law introduces sweeping reforms covering school governance, compulsory education, teacher responsibilities, digital learning, student welfare, private school regulation, and vocational education.

General Education Affairs Council Established

A major feature of the legislation is the creation of the General Education Affairs Council, which will oversee the development of the education sector.

The council will be chaired by the Minister of Education and include representatives from government ministries, the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, and the private sector to strengthen coordination and policy implementation.

Compulsory Education Remains Mandatory

The law maintains compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 15.

The Ministry of Education has been granted authority to take legal action against parents or guardians who prevent children from attending school or contribute to student dropout during compulsory education.

Arabic Remains Primary Language of Instruction

Arabic will continue to serve as the official language of instruction across Saudi Arabia’s general education system.

However, schools may offer instruction in additional languages where approved, supporting broader educational opportunities while preserving the Kingdom’s linguistic and cultural identity.

Co-Education Limited to Private Schools

The legislation continues the policy of separating boys’ and girls’ schools after the early childhood stage within the public education system.

Private educational institutions, however, will be permitted to implement co-education under the new regulatory framework.

Classroom Learning Remains the Foundation

The Ministry of Education confirmed that traditional in-person classroom teaching will remain the primary method of instruction across all educational levels.

At the same time, the law expands digital education by supporting synchronous, asynchronous, and self-paced learning programmes while introducing regulations for lifelong learning certificates.

Flexible Educational Pathways Introduced

The ministry will be authorised to establish specialised academic and vocational pathways aimed at equipping students with skills aligned with future labour market demands.

The initiative seeks to improve workforce readiness while providing students with more personalised educational opportunities.

Greater Support for Students with Disabilities and Gifted Learners

The new framework strengthens educational support for students with disabilities by requiring schools to provide specialised learning services, assistive technologies, and tailored assessment methods.

Gifted students will also benefit from expanded programmes, including specialised schools, enrichment centres, improved identification systems, teacher training, and stronger partnerships with universities and research institutions.

Tougher Standards for Private Schools

Private educational institutions will face stricter quality assurance requirements under the new law.

Schools must obtain accreditation from the Education and Training Evaluation Commission or another internationally recognised accreditation body approved by Saudi authorities.

The Ministry of Education will also regulate school licensing, ownership transfers, operational standards, and the implementation of international curricula while ensuring national curriculum subjects remain mandatory.

Applications for education licences must receive an official decision within 30 days, with unsuccessful applicants granted the right to appeal.

Private Sector Role Expanded

The legislation provides a clearer regulatory framework to encourage greater participation by private and nonprofit organisations in Saudi Arabia’s education sector.

The Ministry of Education may also provide financial assistance, in-kind support, or human resources to eligible educational institutions under approved conditions.

Higher Standards for Teachers

Teachers will be required to follow approved curricula, support individual student learning needs, encourage innovation and creativity, identify gifted students, uphold professional ethics, promote national values, and participate in continuous professional development.

Stricter Disciplinary Measures Introduced

The new law establishes a formal disciplinary system for teachers, school administrators, and private educational institutions that violate regulations.

Authorities may temporarily suspend individuals during investigations, while serious violations could result in dismissal and permanent disqualification from employment in the education sector.

Private schools found in breach of regulations may face warnings, suspension of student admissions, financial penalties ranging from SR5,000 to SR50,000, or licence cancellation.

If a school’s licence is revoked, the institution will be required to allow students to complete the academic year at the owner’s expense to ensure educational continuity.

FAQs

What is Saudi Arabia’s new General Education Law?
It is a comprehensive legal framework governing public and private education from nursery to Grade 12, designed to modernise education under Vision 2030.

Is education still compulsory in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Education remains compulsory for children aged 6 to 15 years.

Is co-education allowed under the new law?
Public schools will continue separating boys and girls after early childhood, while private schools may implement co-education.

Will digital learning continue?
Yes. The law expands digital education through online, self-paced, and hybrid learning programmes.

What penalties can private schools face?
Schools violating regulations may receive warnings, fines between SR5,000 and SR50,000, admission suspensions, or licence cancellation.