Education: School party fees banned and new regulations for 2025

The Saudi Ministry of Education has issued firm directives regarding the organization of events and celebrations within schools, emphasizing the prohibition of charging students or their parents any fees for graduation or award ceremonies. This decision aims to ensure that participation is entirely free and optional, reflecting the Ministry's commitment to easing the financial burden on families and protecting the educational process from any commercial aspects that might compromise its noble mission.

The context of the decision and its educational and social dimensions

This organizational move comes in response to previous concerns about the increasing financial burden associated with school events, which had been placing a social strain on some families. The decision aims to solidify the principle of fairness and equality among students, ensuring that recognition and celebration are based on academic and behavioral merit, not financial means. From an educational perspective, this approach reinforces the concept of the school as a nurturing environment for talent, free from material considerations, thus contributing to students' psychological well-being and preventing feelings of class disparity within the classroom.

Strict spatial and organizational controls

As part of its planning for the 2025 events, the Ministry emphasized the necessity of holding all celebrations within school premises. It clarified that resorting to external halls or holding central celebrations that require the separation of male and female students necessitates prior written approval from the Director General of Education in the region. The regulations also stressed full compliance with security and safety requirements, approved photography guidelines, and ensuring that these events do not disrupt the school day or class schedules, so that academic achievement remains the top priority.

School uniform and national identity

The new regulatory framework emphasizes adherence to the official school uniform during events and prohibits wearing any clothing that violates public decency or bears inappropriate slogans or images. The Ministry linked these events to strengthening the values ​​of loyalty and belonging to the nation and its wise leadership, and to consolidating Saudi national identity. The approved areas of celebration include honoring high-achieving, gifted, and exemplary students, in addition to commemorating national occasions such as National Day and Founding Day, thus strengthening students' connection to their history and society.

Implementation and follow-up mechanism

To ensure these standards are met, the Ministry has established a precise implementation mechanism that begins with the preparation of the celebration plan by the student guidance committee and the school's administrative committee. The date of the event must be announced a week in advance through official channels, and invitations must be sent to parents to strengthen the partnership between families and the school. The process concludes with the submission of documented reports to the education department, ensuring institutional oversight that guarantees the achievement of the desired educational objectives of these events.