Maldives Kicks Off New School Year Today, Welcoming 77,000 Students

The new academic year opened today after a month‑long break with over 77,000 students, marking the first time it has begun on a Tuesday rather than the traditional Sunday.

The beginning of this academic year also realigns the academic calendar with the fiscal year, fulfilling a pledge made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

According to the Ministry of Education, more than 77,000 students have enrolled across 218 government schools for the 2025 academic year. As in previous years, a large intake joined Grade 1, with 4,790 first‑grade placements assigned. The Greater Malé Region recorded 1,748 Grade 1 enrolments, while atoll schools registered 3,042.

A total of 1,530 students from various atolls requested transfers to Malé schools this year. Conversely, 836 students from Malé schools were transferred to schools in Hulhumalé.

Approximately 10,500 teachers began work in government schools with the start of term, comprising roughly 8,000 Maldivian and 2,500 migrant educators.

A new permanent school, Shaheed Ali School in Hulhumalé Phase II, opened today. The school, serving Grades 1–10, has placements for over 1,900 students and will employ 230 teachers.

Under this year’s academic calendar, schools will close for students after the first week of Ramadan, with classes resuming on 23 March following the Eid holidays.

The first term will break from 14 July to 1 August. The second term starts on 2 August 2026, and students who complete the year will have break from 18 December to 12 January 2027.