The Maldivian Government is pushing forward with plans to make A-Level qualifications the standard school-leaving benchmark, signalling a significant shift in national education policy.

The move is a central component of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision for national development, which prioritises both infrastructure development and investment in the nation’s people.

Enrolment in A-Level programmes across state schools has increased by 77 percent since the introduction of a pilot scheme early in President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, according to Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu.

In 2024 alone, 106 more students passed A-Level examinations compared to the previous year—a rise attributed to enhanced academic support and expanded access to upper secondary education.

As part of efforts to widen A-Level availability, Grades 11 and 12 have been introduced in 23 schools across the islands. Officials note that this initiative has significantly boosted participation, particularly in remote communities.

Dr Shafeeu emphasised that the focus on A-Level education is crucial for enabling more students to qualify for leading universities, both domestic and international, highlighting the Government’s strategy to prioritise human capital development.

The move to designate A-Levels as the default school-leaving qualification marks a significant shift from the previous system, where they were treated as an optional academic pathway. The policy forms a key part of the Government’s broader goal to ensure that most students complete upper secondary education with strong academic outcomes.

In his inaugural address, the President underscored the importance of building not only physical assets such as roads, housing and public amenities, but also cultivating a well-educated, ethically grounded and socially responsible society. Both dimensions, he said, are vital for creating a secure, prosperous and globally respected Maldives.

Complementing the education reforms is the Maldives National Service, a flagship youth initiative directly overseen by President Muizzu in his capacity as both Head of State and Chief of Defence Forces. The programme aims to instil civic responsibility, patriotism, and moral resilience in the younger generation, reinforcing the administration’s dual focus on character and competency.