Kuwait Tightens School Discipline and Attendance Rules

The Ministry of Education has announced a comprehensive set of measures aimed at strengthening discipline in schools, enforcing attendance policies, and ensuring the smooth continuation of the academic year across Kuwait.

The directives were issued by Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs Eng. Hamad Abdullah Al-Hamad, following instructions from the Education Minister, Eng. Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabaie.

Focus on Discipline and Attendance

In a press statement, the ministry said the measures are designed to:

• Instill discipline in schools
• Maintain high attendance rates
• Ensure strict implementation of educational regulations

The directives have been circulated to all educational districts, as well as the General Directorate of Religious Education and the Directorate of Special Education.

Key Measures Announced

Under the new rules:

• Schools must conduct short quizzes and assessment activities on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
• Grading must be transparent and accurate to encourage participation.
• Curricula timelines must be strictly followed, using effective teaching methods to boost engagement and attendance.

Strict Attendance Monitoring

The ministry has introduced tighter controls on student absences:

• Only sick leave certificates issued by government hospitals will be accepted on specified days.
• Schools must submit daily absence reports to educational affairs departments.
• Students who miss short tests will not be allowed to retake them; absences will be handled under ministry regulations.

School administrations will also be evaluated partly based on student attendance and absence rates, which officials described as key indicators of institutional performance.

Oversight and Accountability

Educational affairs directors are authorized to take necessary action, including referral for investigation, in cases of violations related to student absences.

Field visits will continue across all educational levels to ensure classes are conducted regularly and curricula are implemented on schedule.

The ministry stressed strict adherence to the approved academic calendar to guarantee the timely completion of coursework.

Officials said the measures form part of broader efforts to enhance oversight, accountability, and academic performance, while maintaining stability in the education sector.

The ministry also commended teachers and school administrations for their role in maintaining order and reaffirmed its commitment to improving the quality of education across Kuwait.