Private schools bill sets BD100,000 fines, tougher oversight

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Parliament will on Tuesday debate a bill introducing stricter controls on Bahrain’s private education sector, including fines of up to BD100,000 and jail terms of up to a year for serious offences.

The proposal, linked to Decree No (60) of 2025, sets a new framework for nurseries, schools and educational centres. Institutions would need a renewable three-year licence for each branch and must meet all safety, health and academic standards before opening. Schools would be required to maintain permanent pupil and financial records, adopt internal regulations, and have their Boards of Directors and Parents’ Councils approved by the Ministry of Education.

Curriculum rules would tighten, with ministry approval required for all programmes and changes. Materials must respect Bahrain’s religious, national and pan-Arab values. Even foreign and community schools would have to teach Arabic, Islamic Education, Social Studies and Citizenship Education. Digital learning will be allowed under forthcoming regulations.

Fees would face closer oversight, with any increase needing ministry approval. Annual accounts must be audited and filed with the Ministry. Inspectors will have broader powers to visit institutions, review records and order corrections. Penalties range from written warnings and temporary suspension to licence cancellation or fines up to BD100,000.

Criminal penalties target unlicensed teaching and fraud. Anyone providing education without a licence, filing false data or obtaining a licence by deceit could face up to a year in jail or fines between BD1,000 and BD100,000.

The Ministry of Education said the draft replaces the outdated 1998 law, improves investor confidence and strengthens transparency. It will also make licensing faster, tighten curriculum oversight and prioritise hiring Bahrainis. The Services Committee has recommended the bill’s approval in principle, calling it a vital update for a sector that now serves nearly half of all students in Bahrain.