Kuwait revokes licence and orders closure of Iranian private school ahead of 2026–27 academic year
Kuwait’s Education Ministry has revoked the licence of the Iranian private school in Kuwait, ordering its closure and urging parents to transfer students before the 2026–27 school year begins.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Education has issued a ministerial decision to cancel the educational licence of the Iranian private school in Kuwait and to close the institution ahead of the 2026–27 academic year. The ministry said the move follows review of regulatory reports and is intended to protect students’ educational continuity, with parents asked to enrol children at other schools before the new term.
Ministerial Order Ends School Licence
The decision was signed by Minister Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, the ministry announced, and formally terminates the previously issued licence that allowed the Iranian private school to operate. The order directs the administration that oversees private education to begin enforcement immediately and to ensure the closure is implemented in line with applicable laws and regulations.
The ministry said the cancellation was made after examining reports from the General Administration of Private Education and determining that revocation served the public interest. The order explicitly instructs the school to stop accepting new students for the 2026–27 academic year as part of the shutdown process.
Parents Urged to Transfer Students Before 2026–27
Officials have advised parents of pupils currently enrolled at the Iranian private school to take steps to transfer their children to alternative schools before the start of the 2026–27 school year. The ministry framed the request as necessary to avoid disruption to students’ learning and to preserve academic progress.
The ministry’s instructions include notifying parents directly and coordinating the transfer process to limit any interruption to studies. School authorities were told to provide families with information about the closure timeline and the administrative steps required for student transfers.
Regulatory Compliance Cited as Foundation for Decision
Kuwait’s ministry emphasised that the closure decision is grounded in the laws and regulations governing the private education sector. Officials said the measure reinforces the principle that private institutions must operate within the regulatory framework to safeguard the public interest and the integrity of the national education system.
Authorities also indicated that the decision followed a formal review process by the General Administration of Private Education. The ministry framed the action as enforcement of established standards rather than an isolated administrative measure, stressing the role of regulation in ensuring quality and accountability across private schools.
Administration of Private Education to Oversee Implementation
The General Administration of Private Education has been tasked with implementing the closure order and with coordinating practical arrangements required for affected families and students. That includes providing guidance to parents about documentation and enrolment procedures at receiving schools, as well as working with other education stakeholders to absorb displaced students.
Officials said the administration will monitor the closure’s execution and liaise with relevant authorities to address logistical issues. The ministry pledged to take the necessary administrative steps to ensure students can continue their studies without interruption and to prevent gaps in the upcoming academic year.
Student Welfare and Academic Continuity Prioritised
The ministry repeatedly stressed that protecting students’ welfare and maintaining educational continuity are central objectives of the decision. Authorities stated that the closure process will be managed to minimise any adverse effects on pupils’ academic trajectories and emotional wellbeing.
Education experts note that orderly transitions, clear communication with families, and swift placement in alternative schools are key to preventing learning loss. The ministry’s plan to inform parents and coordinate transfers is intended to create a smooth handover for pupils who must change schools before the 2026–27 term.
Potential Implications for Private Education Sector
Observers say the revocation underscores the regulatory scrutiny facing private schools operating in Kuwait and may prompt other institutions to review compliance measures. The ministry’s action highlights a willingness to enforce standards and suggests that licensing will remain contingent on adherence to statutory and regulatory requirements.
At the same time, the closure places immediate responsibilities on education authorities to manage student redistribution and to support receiving schools that will take on new pupils. How quickly and effectively these follow-up steps are handled will be critical to limiting disruption for families and maintaining public confidence in the private education framework.
The ministry has committed to ongoing oversight as the closure is carried out and to coordinating with schools and parents to facilitate transfers. Officials say the administration will provide updates as needed and will ensure legal and administrative measures are applied consistently during the transition period.