The Sindh Education Department has declared several practices by private schools affiliated with the Cambridge examination system illegal. These practices included canceling student enrollments or forcing students to register as private candidates without valid reasons.
Complaints Against Schools
The Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions Sindh received multiple complaints regarding these practices. Additional Registrar Prof. Rafia Mallah confirmed that students and parents reported unfair treatment by schools affiliated with Cambridge International Examinations through the British Council Pakistan.
Students claimed that some schools prevented them from appearing as regular candidates in exams. Schools often cited reasons such as low attendance or poor performance in internal assessments. Consequently, students were pressured to register as private candidates despite paying full annual fees.
Circular Highlights Illegal Practices
The issued circular emphasized that schools cannot invoke internal policies to justify these actions. Forcing students to change their enrollment status without proper justification can cause serious academic and psychological harm.
According to the Sindh Private Educational Institutions Regulation and Control Rules, 2005, no private school can introduce or enforce admission or continuation policies without prior approval from the directorate. Any such unapproved policies are illegal and hold no legal standing.
Schools’ Responsibility for Academic Support
The education department clarified that weak academic performance is the responsibility of school administrations and teaching staff, not students. Schools are required to provide proper instruction, academic monitoring, and remedial support rather than penalizing students for underperformance.
Directive to Stop Unfair Practices
The circular instructed all private schools to immediately stop these practices. Violations will result in legal action under relevant laws. This move ensures that Cambridge students in Sindh receive fair treatment and equal opportunities in their examinations.
Significance for Students
The decision is expected to relieve students and parents who faced stress and uncertainty due to unfair policies. By enforcing accountability, the Sindh Education Department strengthens student rights and emphasizes quality education in private institutions.
Conclusion
Sindh’s ban on illegal practices for Cambridge students reinforces fair academic standards in private schools. Proper implementation of this directive will protect students from unwarranted academic penalties. Additionally, it highlights the department’s commitment to supporting students’ educational and psychological well-being.
