Education Ministry Sets Safety Rules for Private International Schools

The Ministry of Education issued binding directives to tighten safety and security at private schools that apply international curricula, requiring immediate implementation of new measures across campuses.

Circular No. 19 obliges schools to ensure full camera coverage across premises and classrooms, with multiple staff members assigned to monitor feeds throughout the school day and report any violations to the principal. All employees — including teachers, administrators, supervisors, drivers and support staff — must undergo regular drug testing, with results submitted before issuing or renewing school licences, and new hires must present drug test results prior to joining. Schools are instructed to integrate body-safety awareness into their annual training, engaging specialists to conduct sessions for students, staff and parents, alongside additional awareness through school counselling units and Parents–Teachers Councils.

The circular bars maintenance workers from being on school grounds during the school day, allowing entry only outside school hours or on official holidays. Security personnel are prohibited from remaining inside school premises during school hours until the last student leaves. No school or contracted bus may operate without a school-appointed supervisor whose contract is approved by the educational administration. Each bathroom must have two female attendants from before student arrival until at least an hour after dismissal. All staff must regularise their employment status within two weeks, including submitting documentation such as criminal record checks. Foreign employees must provide approved contracts and valid work permits.

The directives set a minimum staff-to-student supervision ratio of 1:6, prohibit receiving students earlier than 15 minutes before morning assembly, and require school principals to remain on campus until the last student departs. Kindergarten and primary students must not be left without continuous supervision, including on school buses. Schools must activate visitor control logs, maintain constant supervision in hallways and continuously monitor student movement. The ministry said it will form committees to conduct regular inspections of private and international schools to ensure full compliance. Violations may result in placing a school under administrative and financial supervision, in addition to penalties under ministerial decrees 420 and 422 of 2014.

The ministry stated the guidelines follow an alleged incident involving a group of kindergarten pupils at Seeds Language School in Cairo, which is under investigation by the public prosecution. The school has been placed under full administrative and financial supervision.