Number of students pursuing A-levels up, all can be given slot: Minister

Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu has stated today that the number of students who want to study A-levels has increased, along with slots to be available for all students.

Previously, the education ministry has been paying the fees for all students pursuing their A-level education in private school. This year, the ministry decided that fees wont be paid for those studying in private schools.

Speaking on the change, Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu told Mihaaru News that students who have finished their O-levels last year will have A-level slots in government schools.

Ismail went on to say that if students don't get a slot at CHSE (Male' and Hulhumale') then the ministry will work to get students slots at private schools, along with their fees being paid by the ministry.

"If a student from an island doesn't get a slot at their respective school, then the ministry will work towards getting them a slot at a private school. This is not a concern," said the minister.

"We predict that out of the total 1,500 students, they will apply to both CHSE schools. There are available slots surpassing the 1,500 mark so if there are more students, they will get to study there. If a student doesn't manage to get into CHSE, then the ministry will put them into a private school and pay the fees as well."

This year, the government has brought changes in order to increase A-level applications. The ministry has also given their approval to an additional 23 schools to conduct A-level education.

The minister went on to say that a further 7 schools will be given approval to conduct A-level education during the next academic year. Ismail also stated that with these changes, the number of students who want to pursue their A-levels has also increased.