The proportion of students continuing to A-level education after completing Grade 10 has increased to 48 percent, Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu said.

Speaking at the Top Achievers awards ceremony last night, Minister Shafeeu said that when President Dr Mohamed Muizzu took office, only 34 percent of students who completed Grade 10 progressed to A-level studies.

He said the government aims to increase that figure to 65 percent by 2028.

According to the Minister, the target will be achieved by expanding access to both traditional higher secondary education and vocational pathways.

"Previously, if there were 100 students completing O-Level, only about one-third could continue to A-Level. Following the policy changes, that figure has increased to 48 percent. This is a significant achievement," Minister Shafeeu said.

The government amended admission criteria for Grades 11 and 12 last year to allow more students to continue their education after O-Level examinations.

Students can now pursue higher secondary education through three pathways: the academic stream, school-based vocational education or a workplace apprenticeship programme.

The government has said the policy is intended to expand access to post-secondary education and equip more young people with the academic and technical skills needed for further study and employment.