The Ministry of Education has warned private schools that they will be fined SR5,000 for every pupil exceeding the stipulated classroom limit of 25. “In view of violations observed in recent years at some private schools, which are required to provide each pupil with a minimum seating area of 1.5 square meters and admit to a classroom no more than 25 students whatever size the room, we remind schools that the Penalty Law allows for fines of up to SR5,000 for every pupil above and beyond that number,” the ministry said in a recently issued circular. Sources told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that the missive has been met with dismay by some private school owners. “It is extremely difficult to implement such a demand, and the Ministry of Education itself does not abide by the criteria that it sets on private schools,” one owner said. “Most schools have overcrowded classrooms.”
