Vietnam to Merge Schools, Cut Independent Institutions by 50%

Vietnam's government is pushing for a reform of its education system, aiming to streamline public kindergartens, general education schools, and vocational education institutions. The plan targets a reduction of at least 30% in the number of independently operating schools compared to July 1, 2025, with a 50% cut in areas with favorable conditions. This "reduction in the number of schools" refers to decreasing the count of institutions with separate legal status and management apparatus. Post-merger, many schools will share a single principal, accounting department, and administrative staff. However, old campuses are not necessarily to be closed; they can serve as branches or satellite campuses, allowing students to continue studying near their homes. For instance, after two schools merge, they will operate under one principal and a shared administrative unit. Depending on the number of classes, students, and geographical distance, each branch may be assigned a vice-principal. The Prime Minister has requested that the restructuring be adapted to local conditions, implemented flexibly and gradually, while ensuring educational opportunities for all children. Every commune, ward, and special zone must have at least one kindergarten and one general education school that meets primary and lower secondary education standards. Schools will be organized into two models: either large-scale schools focusing on a single education level with multiple branches or campuses, or multi-level general education schools operating at one or more locations. Specifically, remote branch schools in mountainous, border, or ethnic minority areas that do not meet minimum facility standards will be considered for dissolution. Students from these branches will be transferred to the main school and arranged for boarding or day schooling. Facilities must be completed before implementation if they are currently inadequate. The Prime Minister has cautioned against merging kindergartens with general schools, general schools with continuing education centers or vocational education centers, and specialized education institutions with regular schools. Vocational schools and continuing education centers will also be reorganized, with each province or city aiming to have three vocational schools. Self-sufficient intermediate vocational schools will be maintained, while inefficiently operated facilities may be dissolved and merged into colleges or reorganized into vocational high schools. Continuing education centers and vocational education centers will be merged into vocational education and continuing education centers. Localities must complete the restructuring by August 30 and report the results to the Prime Minister by September 6.