Iran’s Education Ministry Addresses Proposed Lowering of School Entry Age
Iran’s Ministry of Education has provided a detailed response to a new parliamentary proposal concerning the age at which children begin formal schooling, clarifying the current policy and the ongoing expert review.
Current Policy and the New Proposal
In a recent statement, Mousa-al-Reza Kafash, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Education, confirmed that the current age for entry into the first grade is six years old. To enroll, a child must have reached their sixth birthday by the start of the academic year in September.
This clarification comes in response to a draft plan presented by the Parliamentary Research Center and the Education Commission. Titled “Strengthening the Education System,” the comprehensive proposal includes a provision to lower the mandatory school starting age to five years old. This potential change has sparked significant discussion among education specialists and child psychologists within the country.
Expert Review and Considerations
When asked if beginning first grade at age five would benefit students, Kafash noted a diversity of opinions on the matter. He stated that, based on the Ministry’s current understanding and referenced studies, an earlier start is not considered to be in the students’ best interest. However, he emphasized that the proposal is still under professional and expert review.
“The final outcome depends on the proceedings of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament),” Kafash said. “What we currently have in our education system are children of four and five years old attending non-compulsory, informal pre-school programs. They then transition to first grade upon turning six.”
International Context and Flexibility
Kafash acknowledged that school entry ages vary globally, with some countries setting it at five, five-and-a-half, or six years and above. He reiterated that while accelerating the entry age does not appear advantageous, the final decision will depend on the consensus reached by experts.
He also addressed the situation for Iranian students abroad, explaining that existing regulations by the Supreme Council of Education have provisions for flexibility. In foreign countries where the local school entry age is 5.5 years, Iranian students are permitted to enroll in first grade at that age following the necessary coordination with local authorities. This exception, however, is specifically granted for Iranians living overseas and is not applied within Iran’s domestic system.
The Ministry’s statement highlights a careful, evidence-based approach to educational policy, ensuring any potential reforms are thoroughly vetted to serve the best interests of Iran’s students.