Around 8.234 million students are expected to join schools across Morocco as the 2026-2027 academic year officially begins, according to the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports.

Public schools are expected to welcome nearly 7 million students, supervised by 313,975 teachers across 12,661 schools. Of these, 7,015 are located in rural areas, representing 55.4% of all public schools.

More than 533,000 new students are also expected to enter the first year of public primary education.

Preschool education remains a priority

The expansion of preschool education remains one of the ministry’s key priorities. More than 37,000 preschool classrooms have been established in public primary schools, including 1,700 additional classrooms compared with the previous academic year.

These facilities are expected to accommodate more than 650,000 children. Enrollment capacity has increased by 7.7% nationwide, while rural areas recorded a 6.5% increase.

The preschool enrollment rate is expected to reach 90%, with more than 37,000 educators providing supervision.

The ministry has also launched the national “My First Step” campaign to encourage families to enroll children in preschool from the age of four. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the importance of early education and promote equal opportunities and inclusive education.

Expansion of pioneering schools

The 2026-2027 school year also marks a further expansion of Morocco’s pioneering schools model.

The number of pioneering primary schools has reached 6,753, representing an increase of 2,125 schools compared with the previous year. More than 2.643 million students are expected to attend these schools, supported by approximately 105,000 teachers.

At the middle-school level, the number of pioneering middle schools has risen to 1,358, an increase of 572 institutions in one year. They are expected to accommodate more than 1.095 million students, with approximately 33,800 teachers.

Strengthening efforts to combat school dropout

The ministry is also expanding programs aimed at supporting students who have dropped out of school.

Around 40,000 students are expected to benefit from second-chance schools, representing an increase of nearly 74%. Some 35,000 students will attend the “new generation” second-chance schools.

Meanwhile, 27 new boarding schools have opened, bringing the national total to 1,176. These facilities will serve more than 126,000 students, including over 71,000 girls.

A further 288 new educational institutions are also scheduled to open, including 117 primary schools, 24 community schools, 100 middle schools and 71 high schools.

Minister officially launches the new school year in Salé

Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports Mohamed Saad Berrada officially launched the 2026-2027 school year on Monday at Ibn Battouta Primary School in the Amer commune of Salé.

Held under the theme “For a Quality Public School for All,” the launch marks a new stage in Morocco’s ongoing education reform.

During his inspection visit, the minister observed placement and learning-assessment tests for first-year students and reviewed the operation of preschool and primary classes. He also examined student reception conditions and interacted with pupils.

The visit focused on the measures taken to ensure a smooth start to the academic year, including streamlined enrollment procedures, communication with parents and guardians, and coordination with local authorities.

Continued mobilization around education reform

The minister called on educational and administrative staff to maintain their efforts throughout the academic year, which is expected to see further reforms under the 2022-2026 Roadmap for education reform.

He also urged parents and guardians to play an active role in school life, stressing that their involvement is essential to the success of the education reform process.

The 2026-2027 school year therefore represents another important step in the transformation of Morocco’s public education system, with a focus on improving teaching quality, expanding preschool education, combating school dropout and strengthening equity and equal opportunities for all students.