Laws and Other Basic Regulations Concerning Education

Education in Brunei Darussalam is not compulsory but it is universal, with almost every child entering school at the age of 5 (pre-school) and remaining there until the age of 14-15 (lower secondary). The government provides free education to all citizens who attend public schools. Tuition, textbooks, transport where necessary and accommodation in hostels for students from rural areas are provided free.

In the country’s Education Act there are only provisions binding private schools in the sultanate. The Act states that every private school in the country should be registered. Therefore, the Act may be cited as the Education (Non-Government Schools) Act of which nothing applies to government schools. The Ministry of Education provides for the establishment, regulation, operation and management of government schools. Examinations in the country are regulated by the Brunei Board of Examinations.

There is indeed a need to revise the Education Act and the Ministry of Education is currently in the process of working towards a much more comprehensive legal instrument.