Broad administrative powers could be granted to the Education Ministry to address violations, including ordering institutions to immediately cease infringements or implement corrective measures within a specified timeframe.
If violations persist, the ministry may impose a range of escalating penalties.
These include written warnings, public disclosure of violations at the institution’s expense, temporary suspension of specific services, administrative fines of up to BD100,000, placing schools under temporary ministry administration and even full licence revocation.
Criminal penalties could also be introduced for serious offences, including operating without a licence, obtaining a licence through fraudulent means, or submitting false or misleading information.
Offenders could face up to one year in prison, fines of up to BD100,000, or both. Legal entities may be fined up to double the prescribed amount if offences are committed in their name or for their benefit.
The Shura Council has approved in principle a new draft law regulating private educational institutions, paving the way for stricter oversight, expanded administrative powers for the Education Ministry and tougher penalties for violations that could harm students, parents and the wider education system.
The draft law, issued under Decree No 60 of 2025, was endorsed during the council session last week and will now move to article-by-article review on Sunday, following a detailed report by the council’s services committee.
Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma said the legislation marked a ‘qualitative shift’ in the regulation of private education, strengthening accountability while ensuring educational continuity.
Dr Juma
“The draft law establishes an integrated supervisory and regulatory framework that allows the ministry to act decisively and proactively to protect students, parents and the integrity of the education process,” Dr Juma said.
“It expands our ability to intervene early, correct violations, and take administrative measures without disrupting students’ learning or compromising their interests,” he added.
The minister asserted that the aim is not punishment for its own sake, but an effort to raise standards, encourage excellence and ensure that private education aligns with national policies and values.
Shura Council services committee chairwoman Dr Jameela Al Salman said the law strikes a careful balance between robust regulation and the protection of students’ rights.
Dr Al Salman
“The committee was keen to ensure that enforcement tools are strong, clear and legally sound, while at the same time guaranteeing that any administrative or penal action does not harm the interests of children, students or their families,” she said.
She stressed that penalties could only be imposed after formal investigation and due process, with institutions granted the right to appeal both administratively and before the courts.
A key feature of the bill is the unification of regulatory oversight under the Education Ministry. Once enacted, all private educational institutions – including kindergartens, special education centres and educational service providers – will fall under a single supervisory authority, ending the fragmentation that previously existed between multiple government bodies.
The services committee noted that the private education sector accommodates more than 90,000 students across 81 schools, underscoring the need for effective regulation not only from an educational perspective but also for its economic and social impact.
The draft law also introduces performance-based regulation, allowing high-performing institutions to receive incentives, while granting the minister authority to issue corrective measures against low-performing schools.
According to the services committee, the legislation modernises an outdated framework that has been in place since 1998, responding to rapid growth in private education, digital learning models and evolving governance standards.
The Shura Council’s approval in principle signals broad support for the bill, with detailed article discussions expected to focus on enforcement mechanisms, safeguards and the scope of ministerial authority.
“Once finalised, the law is expected to reshape private education governance in Bahrain, placing student welfare and educational quality firmly at the centre of regulation,” said Dr Al Salman.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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