Education: Students will be denied success if their absences exceed 10% without a valid excuse
The Saudi Ministry of Education has emphasized the importance of adhering to school discipline, stressing the strict application of regulations concerning conduct and attendance. In this context, the Ministry clarified that exceeding a certain percentage of absences without providing an acceptable excuse will result in decisive measures, potentially including preventing the student from progressing to the next grade level, as part of its efforts to enhance the efficiency of the educational process.
Details of the absence and suspension policy
According to the approved regulations, any student whose absences exceed 10% of the total school days during the academic year without a valid and documented medical or family excuse will be penalized by being barred from taking final exams or having their attendance and grades withheld, automatically preventing them from advancing to the next grade or level. This measure aims to ensure fairness among students and to instill a sense of responsibility and punctuality.
Administrative procedures and advance warnings
The decision to suspend a student is not implemented abruptly; schools employ a gradual approach to dealing with absences. The process begins with initial warnings to the parent when absences reach lower levels (such as 3% or 5%). The parent is then summoned to sign written pledges, and the student counselor's role is activated to assess the student's situation, identify the underlying reasons for repeated absences, and attempt to address them educationally before the student reaches the critical level that warrants suspension.
The importance of school discipline and educational goals
This emphasis stems from the Ministry of Education's commitment to improving learning outcomes, as educational studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between regular attendance and academic excellence. Frequent absences lead to cumulative knowledge gaps that are difficult to bridge later, negatively impacting students' academic and professional futures.
The role of the family and the Noor platform
The Ministry urged parents to regularly monitor their children's attendance records through the "Noor" electronic system or the "My School" application, emphasizing that the partnership between family and school is the cornerstone of student success. Parental awareness of the seriousness of absenteeism and its impact on a student's educational progress is the first line of defense against school dropout or academic difficulties.
National context and Vision 2030
This approach aligns with the objectives of the Human Capital Development Program, one of the programs under the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to prepare globally competitive citizens. Discipline in school is the cornerstone for building a practical and disciplined generation capable of assuming responsibility in the future labor market, thus enhancing the Kingdom's educational and economic standing.
