In the Kingdom, the Saudi Ministry of Education is finalizing the bylaw regulating private schools.
Okaz/Saudi Gazette obtained a copy of the bylaw, which mandates that private schools following a foreign curriculum teach Saudi Arabian history and geography. National identity shall be taught as a subject in these schools. In the event that the regulations are violated, punitive measures, including fines of up to SR500000, will be taken.
Through private schools, the private and non-profit sectors are permitted to provide education services in various phases of general education by applying quality standards.
Saudi Education and Training Evaluation Commission licenses are required for teachers in private schools.
Foreign schools can be run by Saudis or foreign investors, according to the regulations. Foreign and Saudi investors can also apply together in partnership. A license can also be applied for by public interest entities.
The bylaw requires the applicant to obtain a commercial registration before practicing the activity and not to have been disciplined while serving in a government or private school.
In addition to proof of previous experience in extending educational services, foreign investors must obtain a license from the Ministry of Investment. Educational activities and services must be covered by the investment license.
If the owner of the establishment fails to meet one of the conditions stipulated in the bylaw, they may transfer the licensing right to another person who fulfills these conditions within three months or at the end of the school year, whichever is earlier, after obtaining permission from the Ministry of Education.
According to the new bylaw, private schools must appoint a principal and qualified educational and administrative staff and set rules regarding tuition fees and their collection.
In accordance with the rules set by the Ministry of Education, a private school can request an amendment to the academic calendar. A balance sheet of revenues and expenditures shall be prepared and deposited into a special account when schools receive incentives, subsidies, or loans.
Bylaws stipulate that the Ministry of Education approves incentives to enable and encourage private schools to provide educational services in accordance with rules approved by the appropriate authorities. An investment or usufruct agreement concluded by the ministry or its representative with the subsidy recipient includes cash and kind assistance, technical subsidies, and the use of land, buildings, and state-owned buildings in the education sector.
Infringements of the bylaw, offences against Islam, Saudi Arabia, its leaders and public figures, and breaches of intellectual security or health and safety requirements are punishable.
Offenders will be punished. Depending on the situation of the students during the academic year, one or more penalties may be imposed. Upon receiving a warning notice, new admissions are suspended until the violation is corrected, which must be done within 14 days. It is possible for the school to be fined up to SR500,000, to have its license revoked, and to have its principal or teachers deported.
Penalties are imposed based on the size of the violation and its recurrence. We also consider the school's size, quality of outputs, and community participation under difficult conditions. Penalty decisions can be appealed within one month of their issuance to the minister.
