Government Schools to Introduce IB Programme from 2026

In a landmark move for the education sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Minister of Education Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), to introduce the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme in government schools across Bahrain.

The programme will officially be launched at the beginning of the 2026–2027 academic year in September 2026.

The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Education headquarters in Isa Town, attended by senior officials from various educational sectors within the Ministry, representatives of public and private schools in Bahrain, and a delegation of specialists from the International Baccalaureate Organization.

On this occasion, the Minister of Education expressed his deepest gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their continued support, care, and commitment to advancing the educational journey in the Kingdom.

Dr. Juma described the introduction of the International Baccalaureate programme in government schools as a pioneering step being implemented for the first time. The programme will initially be introduced at the intermediate level, starting from Grade 8, under the Middle Years Programme (MYP). Upon successful completion of this stage, students will progress to the Diploma Programme, through which they will obtain the International Baccalaureate certificate from secondary schools.

He added that the Ministry of Education will announce full details regarding the implementation process, assessment standards, and registration criteria for students who meet the eligibility requirements for enrolment in the programme.

The Minister also expressed his great pleasure at signing the memorandum with the International Baccalaureate Organization, describing it as a historic milestone in the development of education in Bahrain that is expected to significantly enhance academic achievement and students’ future educational prospects.