Students at Giảng Võ Secondary School in Ba Đình District, Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo Văn Điệp

HÀ NỘI — The earliest students around the country could return to school for the new school year would be September 1, however, grade-1 students could go back to school as soon as August 23, according to a decision signed by the Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyễn Hữu Độ.

The timeframe for holding opening ceremonies for the new school year under the decision is September 5.

The first semester would be set to end before January 16, 2022, with the second semester to begin before May 31

The high school graduation exam, the national exam for excellent students and the national science and technology exam will be organised in compliance with the guidance of the Ministry of Education and Training.

However, the chairman of the People's Committee of provinces or cities would decide a suitable time for pre-school, general and continuing education to fit with the requirements of each locality, the decision said.

The director of the Education and Training Department of each province or city had the right to suspend students from going to school in cases of extreme weather and natural disasters with catch-up lessons to be arranged later.

Annual leave for teachers would be taken during the summer break or could be changed for another time of the year to fit within the plans of local schools.

The ministry also ordered all localities in the country to report on the preparation of the 2021-22 school year soon.

In a related move, the ministry on Wednesday sent document No 3277/BGDĐT-KHTC to relevant agencies and localities that says they should not increase tuition fees in public schools in the new school year.

The move aims to alleviate the financial burden of the parents of students caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. — VNS