Saudi schools will not permit retake examinations during Ramadan without an officially approved excuse/Representative Image
Students who miss their first-term examinations during Ramadan will not be given another chance unless they present an official excuse, Saudi education authorities have confirmed. The rule comes as public schools across the Kingdom begin first-term tests for the second semester, with strict enforcement of attendance and discipline measures.The Ministry of Education has made clear that absence during the examination period will not be overlooked. The no make-up policy is grounded in the Student Assessment Regulations approved at the start of the current academic year.
Exams begin with strict attendance enforcement
First-term examinations for the second semester commenced on Monday in Saudi public schools.School administrations have underlined that full attendance is mandatory throughout the examination period. Students who fail to attend will not be granted make-up exams unless their absence is supported by an official excuse.By holding examinations during Ramadan, authorities aim to address absenteeism, which has been repeatedly observed in several regions and governorates during the holy month.
Monitoring absenteeism and enforcing discipline
Ahead of Ramadan, the Ministry initiated the collection of preliminary data on students expected to be absent. The objective was to enable proactive monitoring, reinforce discipline and ensure optimal use of instructional time. Schools were instructed to adhere strictly to approved start and end times of the school day. The school uniform policy must be enforced without exception, and firm measures are to be taken against late arrivals.Educational departments have also been directed to prohibit early dismissal before the official end of the school day, except in emergency cases. School administrations are held accountable for monitoring attendance and preventing truancy.Teachers have been urged to maximise the effective use of every minute in each lesson to maintain academic progress during Ramadan.
Ramadan framework to maintain learning standards
The Ministry has directed schools and staff to implement a comprehensive procedural framework regulating education during Ramadan. The framework is designed to safeguard learning outcomes and ensure that educational objectives are achieved while respecting the spiritual nature of the month.Schools are encouraged to adopt flexible class schedules suited to Ramadan and apply dynamic teaching strategies that reduce monotony and account for the physiological changes students may experience while fasting.The Ministry also stressed the need for immediate activation of communication channels with parents. Weekly learning plans and disciplinary reports must be shared regularly, and any academic or behavioural challenges should be monitored closely.Swift educational intervention has been mandated to address issues without delay, ensuring a stable and secure learning environment throughout the examination period.
