Saudi Arabia's new education law explained: Key changes for schools, teachers and students

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has approved the executive and regulatory provisions of its new General Education Law, marking one of the most significant overhauls of the Kingdom's K-12 education system in recent years. The legislation establishes a comprehensive legal framework governing public education from nursery through Grade 12, while introducing new governance structures, strengthening quality standards, expanding private sector participation, and aligning the education system with the goals of Vision 2030.Here is what the new law means.A new governing body for general educationA key feature of the law is the creation of the General Education Affairs Council, chaired by the Minister of Education and comprising representatives from several government ministries, the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, and the private sector.The council will oversee national education policies, strategies and long-term planning. It will also determine admission ages for early childhood and general education, recommend changes to compulsory education requirements, approve teacher employment regulations, oversee virtual and private schools, regulate educational consulting professions, and recommend the academic calendar for Cabinet approval.Compulsory education remains from ages 6 to 15The law confirms that compulsory education begins at the age of six and continues until age 15. The Ministry of Education will be authorized to take legal action against anyone responsible for depriving a child of compulsory education or causing a student to drop out during these years.Education at government schools will continue to be provided free of charge.Arabic remains the primary languageArabic will remain the principal language of instruction across general education, although schools may teach in an additional language where appropriate.The law also maintains the separation of boys' and girls' schools after the early childhood stage in public education. This requirement does not apply to private educational institutions.In-person learning remains the standardThe legislation confirms that classroom-based learning will remain the primary mode of education across all grade levels.However, it also formally recognizes the use of educational technology as part of in-person instruction and expands support for lifelong learning through electronic learning platforms, distance education, community learning centers, and self-paced education programs.The ministry will establish regulations for lifelong learning certificates and work with relevant authorities to further develop synchronous, asynchronous and self-directed online learning.Greater flexibility in learning pathwaysThe Ministry of Education will be able to establish different educational pathways within general education and create specialized or vocational tracks that better meet labor market needs.The law also introduces clearer regulations allowing students to transfer between academic pathways and vocational or technical education programs.Expanded support for students with disabilities and gifted learnersThe legislation strengthens protections for students with disabilities by requiring schools to provide appropriate educational support, assistive technologies and assessment methods tailored to individual needs.Students whose disabilities prevent integration into mainstream schools will continue to have access to specialized education centers, while digital and distance-learning programs will be developed to ensure educational continuity.The law also expands programs for gifted students, including dedicated classes, specialized schools, enrichment centers, clearer identification standards, teacher training and stronger partnerships with universities and research institutions. It also establishes regulations allowing exceptionally high-performing students to accelerate through grade levels.New quality standards for private schoolsPrivate schools will face stricter quality assurance requirements under the new framework.Educational institutions will be required to obtain school accreditation from the Education and Training Evaluation Commission or an internationally recognized accreditation body approved by the Kingdom.The Ministry of Education will also regulate licensing, ownership transfers, school operations and the introduction of international curricula, while ensuring that national identity subjects approved by the National Curriculum Center are taught.Applications for education licenses must receive a written decision within 30 days. Rejected applicants will have the right to appeal.Stronger role for the private and nonprofit sectorsThe law provides a clearer regulatory framework for private and nonprofit education providers as part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to diversify education delivery under Vision 2030.It also allows the ministry to provide financial or in-kind support, including human resources, to eligible private educational institutions under specified conditions.Greater protections and professional development for teachersThe legislation guarantees teachers a suitable working environment, access to professional development programs, opportunities to contribute to improving education, and eligibility for financial and non-financial incentives tied to outstanding performance.Teachers will also be required to teach approved curricula, support students' individual learning needs, promote creativity and innovation, identify gifted students, uphold national values and professional ethics, and participate in ongoing professional development.Tougher disciplinary measuresThe law introduces a formal disciplinary framework for teachers, administrators and private educational institutions that violate regulations.Authorities will be able to take immediate measures to protect the educational environment, including temporarily removing individuals from duty while investigations are underway.Serious violations may result in dismissal and permanent disqualification from working in education.Private schools that violate regulations may face warnings, suspension of student admissions, fines ranging from SR5,000 to SR50,000, or license revocation. If a school's license is revoked, students must be allowed to complete the academic year at the owner's expense to avoid disrupting their education.The law also requires dismissal of individuals convicted of crimes involving dishonesty or moral misconduct and mandates reporting any incidents of violence within or around educational institutions.Overall, the new General Education Law provides Saudi Arabia with a unified legal framework for managing general education, while increasing accountability, improving governance, strengthening educational quality, expanding digital learning opportunities, encouraging private sector participation and ensuring education policies remain aligned with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives.