HCM CITY — Nearly 1.2 million students in HCM City are expected to enrol in schools for the upcoming academic year, an increase of 59,000 compared to last year, according to the city’s Department of Education and Training.

The number of students attending public schools this year has risen by 46,496, while private schools have seen an increase of 12,504, said Lê Hồng Sơn, director of the department.

Schools in Bình Tân District have reported an increase of 5,780 students, followed by Bình Chánh with an additional 5,380, and 12 districts with an increase of 4,250.

The city has spent VNĐ82 billion (US$3.66 million) on new school equipment as well as teaching and learning supplies. In addition, more than 1,900 new classrooms costing a total VNĐ2 trillion ($89.28 million) will be available for the new school year.

The city has implemented a price stabilisation programme for school supplies, with 15 participating suppliers.

To meet the increasing number of students, the education department plans to recruit a total of 4,600 teachers and officials.

Of that figure, more than 1,550 teachers for pre-schools, 1,590 teachers for primary schools, 1,200 teachers for secondary high schools and 400 for high schools will be newly employed this school year.

Last week, more than 340 new teachers and officials were assigned jobs for the new school year.

This year’s school fees for all grades will remain unchanged, according to a document that the city’s People’s Committee has submitted to the city’s People’s Council for approval.

The new school year begins on August 15. — VNS