A bill to amend the Education Act, which would allow some students to be educated at home and make January the legal start of the academic year, has been submitted to Parliament. It completed its first reading on Monday, 26 October.
The amendment was submitted on behalf of the government by Huraa MP Dr Anara Naeem of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC).
Home Schooling for Students With Special Circumstances
Under the proposal, students registered in the formal education system could be taught at home if a physical disability or a psychological condition prevents them from attending school, or in other special circumstances. Eligibility would depend on an assessment of the student’s condition.
According to The Edition, home schooling would be provided only where parents are financially able to arrange it. The Ministry of Education would be responsible for drawing up regulations covering registration for home schooling, student assessments, individual education plans, the qualifications required of teachers, and the monitoring of students learning at home.
The bill would also make formal education compulsory for students with learning disabilities. The proposal follows long-standing requests from parents for a home-schooling option.
January Start Written Into Law
The same amendment states that the academic year must begin in January each year. Where that is not possible, it would have to begin before the end of February.
The bill also sets out requirements for the annual academic calendar issued by the Education Ministry. The calendar would have to list term dates, teaching and non-teaching days, examination days, transfer dates and holidays, among other items, and be announced before the current academic year ends. Schools would need at least 195 school-related days a year, not counting public holidays and school holidays. The ministry would also be required to establish a system for testing the subjects taught in schools.
Background to the Change
The Maldivian academic year was moved from January to August in 2021, after the Covid-19 pandemic halted in-person classes. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu pledged to bring back the January start, and the 2026 academic year was changed to begin in January.
Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu has said that setting the start date in the Education Act would prevent future officials from changing it at will. After its first reading, the bill will continue through the parliamentary process before it can be passed and ratified.
