Hanoi Halts New Public Primary, Secondary School Openings for Consolidation

Hanoi is halting the opening of new public kindergartens, primary, and lower secondary schools as part of a consolidation plan aimed at reducing administrative units by 50%, while maintaining the current 124 public high schools. The plan, issued by the Hanoi People's Committee on July 10, introduces models such as multi-campus single-level schools (with one main school and nearby branches) and inter-level schools (primary and lower secondary; primary, lower secondary, and high school). Post-consolidation, kindergartens will require at least 30 classes with no more than 35 children per class. Primary schools need a minimum of 40 classes with up to 35 students per class (30 in rural areas), and lower secondary schools require at least 45 classes with up to 45 students per class (40 in rural areas). Inter-level schools will need at least 50 classes. The city emphasizes ensuring at least one kindergarten, primary, and lower secondary school per commune or ward, avoiding consolidation where distance or travel conditions are unsuitable. While administrative units will be reduced by at least 50%, the number of classes and students' access to education will not be negatively impacted, with an increase in direct teaching staff. Approved or ongoing new construction projects will continue to supplement facilities and classrooms for schools and branches after consolidation. The PTCS Nguyen Dinh Chieu school will add a high school level, reorganizing into a multi-level school with specialized classes. Hanoi currently has approximately 2,300 public kindergartens and schools. The consolidation is expected to be completed by July 26, with personnel appointments finalized by August 10. This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Education and Training's directive to address fragmented, small-scale schools nationwide, promoting a shift from educational "management" to "development governance" to enhance quality. The Ministry advocates for streamlining administrative bodies, reducing management personnel, and increasing teaching staff. It also supports piloting models with main campuses and branches and merging management units for larger educational institutions. The consolidation must be locally appropriate, ensuring stability and minimizing negative impacts on teaching, learning, and the psychological well-being of students, teachers, and parents. The government has also instructed localities to reduce public schools by approximately 30%, completing consolidation by August 30.