# Morocco education system challenges

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/morocco-education-system-challenges
> Updated: 2026-09-10T00:18:32.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 5.

In early August 2026, data released by Moroccan authorities highlighted two pressing issues in the country’s education sector. The student dropout rate had risen to about 6%, far above the 1.6% target set in the education reform roadmap, with an estimated 200,000 pupils expected to leave school each year. Overcrowding and delays in constructing new schools were identified as contributing factors. A week later, the Ministry of National Education, Vocational Training and Sports issued a ministerial decree confirming the start dates for the 2026–27 academic year. By late August, the Ministry announced stricter measures to manage the upcoming year, including mandatory daily absence reporting and monitoring of textbook availability to ensure equal access regardless of financial status. On September 7, 2026, Morocco officially launched the 2026/2027 academic year, with over 8.2 million students expected nationwide. Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports Mohamed Saad Berrada inaugurated the season at Ibn Battuta Primary School in Salé. Of the total student population, approximately 7 million are enrolled in public education, supported by over 313,000 teachers across 12,661 institutions. As part of the 2022-2026 roadmap for public school reform, the ministry is prioritizing the expansion of preschool education in rural areas through the ‘My First Step’ campaign, aiming for a 90% enrollment rate. Additionally, the rollout of ‘Pioneer Schools’ has expanded significantly; primary pioneer schools now cover 80% of institutions, serving over 2.6 million students, while middle school pioneer institutions have reached 50% coverage. On September 10, 2026, the Ministry announced that school classes across all institutions will begin at 8:00 AM starting September 20, 2026. This change, issued via a ministerial memorandum signed by Minister Mohamed Saad Berrada, aims to align school schedules with the Kingdom’s new legal time regulations under Decree No. 2.26.530.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Morocco to implement 8:00 AM school start time in 2026

Morocco will implement an 8:00 AM school start time beginning September 20, 2026, to align with new national legal time regulations while maintaining required instructional hours.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morocco-to-implement-800-am-school-start-time-in-2026

### 2026-09-07: Morocco launches 2026/2027 school year with 8.2 million students

Morocco has launched the 2026/2027 school year, with over 8.2 million students enrolled and a major push to expand preschool access and the 'Pioneer Schools' reform program.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morocco-launches-20262027-school-year-with-82-million-students

### 2026-09-01: Moroccan educational directorates prepare for 2026–2027 school year

Educational directorates in Khenifra and Mohammedia are coordinating with officials and social partners to prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, focusing on infrastructure and reform implementation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moroccan-educational-directorates-prepare-for-20262027-school-year

### 2026-08-29: Morocco implements strict measures for 2026-2027 school year start

Morocco has implemented strict monitoring measures for the 2026-2027 school year, mandating a September 7 start date and rigorous tracking of student attendance and textbook availability.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morocco-implements-strict-measures-for-2026-2027-school-year-start

### 2026-08-07: Morocco Education Ministry Announces 2026‑27 School Start Dates

Morocco's Education Ministry set the 2026‑27 school calendar, detailing staff sign‑on dates in early September and staggered student start dates through 7 September, with non‑formal classes beginning 5 October.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morocco-education-ministry-announces-202627-school-start-dates

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Cite as: Morocco education system challenges. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/morocco-education-system-challenges