A new General Education Law for the Kingdom was approved by royal decree on 24 July 2026, establishing a single legal framework for public education from nursery through Grade 12. The law replaces regulations that dated back to 1969, creating what officials describe as a "one regulator, one rulebook" system for schools nationwide.
The law aims to strengthen governance across general education, improve the quality of the learning environment and student outcomes, and regulate the roles of the private and non-profit sectors in line with رؤية السعودية 2030. It formally defines and strengthens the Ministry of Education's regulatory, monitoring, and supervisory functions over the sector.
A new council and clearer rules
The law creates a new General Education Affairs Council, chaired by the Minister of Education, with members from several ministries, the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, and private sector representatives. The council will oversee national education policies and long-term planning, recommend admission ages and compulsory education requirements, approve teacher employment regulations and professional standards, and recommend the academic calendar for Cabinet approval. It will also supervise private schools, international curricula, virtual schools, and e-learning, and regulate educational consulting professions.
Why it matters to families
For parents, the law recognizes families as essential partners in the educational journey and seeks to strengthen trust in schools, positioning parents as active participants responsible for supporting attendance, home learning, and student development. It also emphasizes education as a right and reinforces the protection of the rights of students and teachers, requiring safe, supportive, and motivating learning environments.
The law mandates support for students with disabilities, including accessibility and tailored assistance, and requires programs to identify and nurture gifted students within general education. By formalizing e-learning and virtual education and raising teaching standards, the framework aims to give both residents and expat families clearer, more consistent expectations from schools across the Kingdom.
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