The Ministry of Education has confirmed that over 5,700 students have been enrolled in Grade 1 for the upcoming 2025 academic year.

The application process, which commenced on August 15 of the previous year, recorded the highest number of applications from schools in the Greater Malé region. Of the total enrollments, approximately 2,000 students have been placed in schools within the capital and its surrounding areas, underscoring the concentration of admissions in urban centers.

Ali Mufeed, the official responsible for school administration, outlined that the admission process was conducted in two phases: the first for new Grade 1 students and the second for those transferring between school districts. The enrollment process for Lower Kindergarten (LKG), Upper Kindergarten (UKG), and Grade 1 in government schools commenced in October, with Grade 1 admissions finalized in December. Following this, several schools organised orientation sessions to familiarise newly enrolled students with their academic environment.

Furthermore, Mufeed stated that all relevant details, including class allocations and index numbers, were communicated through respective schools, many of which have already completed their orientation programs. He also highlighted that most schools in the Atolls provide education from LKG to Grade 10, with similar orientation sessions conducted for students entering these institutions. Additionally, in exceptional cases where age-related concerns were raised, the ministry has accommodated parental requests for children to repeat LKG or Grade 1.

Previously, Grade 1 admissions were granted to students who had turned six but had not yet completed seven years of age by January 1 of the academic year. However, with the transition to an August-start academic calendar, the eligibility criteria were revised. Over the past two years, only students who had turned seven by December were deemed eligible for admission.

Further modifications to the admission and transfer criteria were introduced through a circular issued by the Ministry of Education in January. Under the revised policy, only children who have completed six years of age by December 31 of the preceding year, but have not yet turned seven, are eligible for Grade 1 enrollment.