More than 1,500 students from atolls transfer to Male' schools this year

More than 1,500 students from schools in the atolls have transferred to schools in Male' this year, the Ministry of Education said.

The deadline for student transfers from atoll schools to Male' schools expired yesterday. Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu told Mihaaru News that 1,530 students who were studying in atoll schools last year have applied to move to schools in Male' for the new academic year.

Meanwhile, 836 students applied to transfer from Male' schools to schools in Hulhumale'. A total of 1,748 students were admitted to Grade 1 in Male' this year, while 3,042 students were enrolled in Grade 1 in schools across the atolls.

The number of students relocating to Male' for education has been steadily increasing over the years. According to statistics released by the Ministry of Education last year, student migration to the capital has risen consistently since 2020.

Student migration to Male' by academic year:

With the new academic year beginning on 27 January, the newly built Shaheed Ali School in Hulhumale' Phase Two will also begin operations.

The school has a capacity of 1,500 students in a single session and will offer classes from Grades 1 to 10. The ministry have said the school can be converted to a two-sessions if enrolment exceeds capacity.

Demand for placement at Shaheed Ali School has increased alongside the completion and handover of housing units under the Fahi Dhiriulhun Flat Project in Hulhumale' Phase Two, which consists of 32 residential towers of 17 to 18 storeys.

The ministry has previously said that seven additional schools are required in Hulhumale' alone, as existing schools particularly in Phase Two are expected to become overcrowded.

Education Minister Shafeeu has earlier stressed that migration to Male' for education is a national issue that cannot be addressed by the Education Ministry alone.

“The ministry and the government cannot send a student back without admitting them to a school,” he said, adding that a broader, coordinated solution is required to manage the growing demand.