Grade Five scholarship not compulsory ; Education Ministry issues circular

The Education Ministry has issued a circular stating that the Grade Five Scholarship examination will not be made compulsory in future.

Issuing a press release, the Ministry noted that several academics and medical experts have pointed out that the Examination has exerted mental pressure on students due to its competitive nature.

Having taken this matter into consideration, the Education Ministry has issued a circular informing that the Grade Five scholarship examination would not be mandatory in future except for those from low-income earning families.

This would provide room for the students to decide on whether to sit for the test or refrain from doing so.

However, the Ministry noted that no decision has been made so far regarding the abolishing of the exam.

The circular also condemns the displaying of banners and posters which depict scholarship examinations with a result-oriented message.

Meanwhile, the Education Ministry's circular has also imposed a ban on levying fees or charges apart from facility fees, service charges and school development funds at the time of a student's admission to Grade Six.