The Sindh Education Department has declared illegal the practice adopted by some private schools affiliated with the Cambridge examination system of canceling student enrollments or forcing students to appear in exams as private candidates. The decision was announced through an official circular, following multiple complaints received against such institutions across the province.
The circular was issued by the Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions Sindh. Additional Registrar Prof. Rafia Mallah stated that the department had received several complaints involving private schools affiliated with Cambridge International Examinations through the British Council Pakistan. Parents and students reported unfair treatment in exam registrations and enrollment continuation.
According to the complaints, certain schools prevent students from appearing in examinations as regular candidates. Schools often cite reasons such as insufficient attendance or weak performance in internal assessments. Despite this, the institutions continue to charge full academic fees from students throughout the year, raising serious concerns about fairness and accountability.
The education department noted that students are later compelled to register as private candidates without valid justification. Officials said this practice causes significant academic disruption and psychological stress for students, especially those preparing for critical board examinations that can impact future education and career prospects.
The circular clarified that under the Sindh Private Educational Institutions Regulation and Control Rules, 2005, private schools are not allowed to introduce or enforce admission, promotion, or continuation policies without prior approval from the directorate. Any such policy implemented without approval is considered illegal and has no legal status.
The department further emphasized that responsibility for poor academic performance rests with school administrations and teaching staff, not students. Schools are required to provide quality instruction, continuous academic monitoring, and remedial support rather than penalizing students through exclusionary practices.
The Directorate has directed all concerned private schools to immediately stop canceling enrollments or forcing students to sit exams as private candidates. Authorities warned that strict action will be taken against institutions found violating the rules, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
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