The Ministry of Education (MoE) yesterday announced in a statement that the age for children to start school has been changed to five years old, and the amendment will take effect in January 2024.
The ministry said the change has been made with consent from His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in conjunction with the 33rd Teacher’s Day.
The amendment obliges children who reach the age of five to attend school, especially those who are citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam, it added.
For children who reach the age of five by December 31, it is mandatory to register for preschool admission starting at the beginning of 2024, while registration for admission is already open for government primary schools. The MoE also said special consideration will be made for children born on January 1, 2019 and are not accepted to pre-school next year. As with the previous Compulsory Education Act, children with special needs are required to attend school with access and specific schedules according to the guidelines set by the MoE.
However, it added, students with high level of needs may require placements in special centres or schools that are usually established by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and will be placed in special schools through an evaluation process.
The MoE also advised parents to ensure their children do not drop out of school, especially those in the age range of the Act.
The ministry also called on parents and guardians of students aged five to 14, who have not attended school for a long time, to register for school by contacting the school directly or through the Department of Schools, Student Affairs Division at 7413059.
They can also visit the department on the 5th floor of the Department of Schools building in Ong Sum Ping. – Azlan Othman
