A SENIOR educationalist yesterday denied claims of irregularities in school admissions.
Education Ministry assistant under-secretary for curricula and education supervision Ahlam Al Amer was responding to MPs’ claims that public schools were giving admissions to ineligible children based on ‘wasta’ (influence).
Children should have completed six years of age to be eligible for admission to Grade 1 as schools open for the academic year in September.
“Students born after September, who are aged below six, are given admissions only if seats are available,” Ms Al Amer said.
“Those born from October to December can go to private schools or wait until the next academic year.
“We don’t accept wasta. If MPs have evidence, then action will be taken.
“Children are entitled to education, but seats in government schools are provided according to rules at the beginning of the academic year.”
She also dispelled claims by Parliament public utilities and environment affairs committee vice-chairman MP Ahmed Al Demistani that Bahrain’s educational system was outdated.
“Bahrain’s students top all regional and international competitions which reflects their quality education,” she said.
“Our schools maintain the highest standards and their curricula is updated periodically.
“We have new subjects for modern sciences and entrepreneurships at schools amongst many others.”
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