LAHORE – The Punjab Education Department has started reviewing hundreds of schools for possible downgrading after concerns over low matric enrolment and poor ninth-grade results.
Officials said schools with fewer than 20 registered students in matric classes are under consideration for losing their high-school status.
Under the proposed plan, these institutions could be converted back into middle schools, while matric students would be shifted to nearby schools.
The move comes as education authorities assess school performance and student numbers across Punjab.
Hundreds Of Punjab Schools Under Review
According to the Education Department, hundreds of schools across the province have fewer than 20 students enrolled in matric classes.
Officials believe maintaining high-school status for schools with extremely low enrolment creates administrative and financial challenges.
Several government schools in Lahore have also been identified during the review.
Government High School Saint Francis New Anarkali reportedly has fewer than 10 matric students, while Government Pakistan Model School Rehmanpura has fewer than 20 registered students.
Government High School Sant Nagar is also among the schools facing scrutiny due to low student numbers.
Matric Students May Be Shifted To Nearby Schools
If the proposed downgrade is approved, students currently enrolled in matric classes will not lose their education opportunities.
The Education Department plans to transfer affected students to nearby schools where facilities and teaching resources are available.
Officials said the decision aims to improve education quality by ensuring students study in institutions with better enrolment levels and resources.
The department has not yet announced a final list of schools that will be downgraded.
Punjab Reviews Schools After Poor Ninth Grade Results
Along with low enrolment, poor academic performance has also become a focus of the Education Department.
Lahore Chief Executive Officer Education Tariq Mahmood said strict action would be taken against schools showing weak results in ninth-grade examinations.
He said schools with results below 30 percent have been asked to provide explanations regarding their performance.
The department is reviewing why students are performing poorly and whether schools require administrative changes.
Education Department Targets Better Performance
The review is part of broader efforts to improve school performance across Punjab.
Officials say schools with extremely low enrolment and weak results require attention to ensure better use of resources.
However, any decision to downgrade schools could affect local communities where these institutions provide access to education for nearby residents.
The Education Department is expected to finalise its recommendations after completing the review process.
Why School Enrolment Has Become A Concern
Low student numbers have become a challenge for several government schools in Punjab.
Education officials argue that schools with very few matric students often struggle to maintain specialised teachers, laboratories and other facilities required for higher classes.
By shifting students to larger nearby schools, authorities hope to provide better academic support and improve examination outcomes.
The final decision on the Punjab schools downgrade plan will depend on the Education Department’s assessment and approval from relevant authorities.
Key Points:
- Punjab Education Department is reviewing hundreds of schools for possible downgrading.
- Schools with fewer than 20 matric students are under consideration.
- Some Lahore government schools have fewer than 10 or 20 matric students.
- Affected matric students may be transferred to nearby schools.
- Schools with ninth-grade results below 30 percent have been asked to explain their performance.
- The move aims to improve education quality and resource management across Punjab.
- No final list of downgraded schools has been announced yet.
Read More:
For more such exclusive articles, follow Upfront .
