Students at Yên Biên Secondary School in Hà Giang 2 Ward, Tuyên Quang Province, during a lesson. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Tùng

HÀ NỘI — More than 17,000 public educational institutions are expected to be eliminated under a nationwide school restructuring that will reduce the system by nearly 46 per cent, the education ministry has said.

Reports from 34 provinces and cities show the number of public educational institutions is expected to fall from 37,386 to 20,284, a reduction of 17,102 institutions, or 45.7 per cent, according to the Ministry of Education and Training.

This consolidation will mainly be achieved by merging schools into multi-level institutions, converting former schools into branch campuses or satellite teaching sites, and reorganising continuing education and vocational education centres.

Essential teaching locations will remain in operation, particularly in remote, mountainous, border and island areas, to ensure students continue to have access to education.

The ministry said the restructuring is intended not only to streamline the system, but also to ensure schools continue operating efficiently without disrupting students' education.

Local authorities have been preparing for the transition by reorganising administrative structures, assigning staff, transferring finances, assets, records and data, and drawing up education plans. Authorities aim to have all reorganised schools operating normally before the 2026-2027 academic year begins.

The overhaul is also expected to leave some school employees without positions, particularly administrative staff such as accountants, cashiers and librarians.

Local authorities have been instructed to retain as many existing employees as possible while protecting the legal rights and benefits of affected workers.

Priority will be given to assigning staff to main campuses, branch campuses or satellite schools, transferring them to schools with staffing shortages, or moving qualified personnel back into teaching or other suitable positions. Employees who cannot be reassigned will receive benefits in line with Government regulations.

The ministry said positions directly linked to teaching quality and student welfare, including librarians, laboratory technicians and school health workers, will generally be maintained at individual school sites. Administrative functions such as accounting, clerical work and treasury services will be streamlined, with staff shared across schools operating under the same legal entity where possible.

Localities will continue reviewing staffing on a case-by-case basis, prioritising redeployment within the education sector before resorting to severance or other policy measures.

Under a Government directive, the restructuring must be completed by August 30. Authorities have been ordered to reduce the number of educational institutions by at least 30 per cent nationwide, with cuts of around 50 per cent targeted in more developed areas. — VNS