Significant Reduction in Classroom Overcrowding Predicted for 2026-2027
In an important announcement made on July 7, 2026, during a session at the Council of Advisors, Moroccan Minister of National Education, Pre-school, and Sports, Mohamed Saad Barada, revealed that the national overcrowding rate in classrooms is expected to decrease to a remarkable 2% for the upcoming academic year 2026-2027. This improvement in classroom conditions comes as a result of targeted efforts aimed at addressing the long-standing issue of overcrowded classrooms, which have been a significant concern in the Moroccan education system.
Minister Barada elaborated on the progress made in reducing overcrowding rates, noting a decline from 11.6% during the 2021-2022 school year to 4.6% in the 2025-2026 academic year. He expressed optimism about overcoming this challenge entirely in the near future, stating, "We can confidently say that we will resolve this issue starting from the next school entry." Such a claim marks a pivotal shift in educational policy and planning in Morocco, aimed at enhancing the learning environment for students.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted that the overcrowding rate in primary education is projected to fall to just 0.8% in the upcoming year, with a maximum limit of 30 students per class, a significant reduction from the previous 6.8% in 2021-2022. Similarly, the rate for secondary education is anticipated to drop to below 5%, with no more than 36 students per class, improving from a concerning 22% previously reported. The measures put in place aim to create a more conducive educational atmosphere for all students, ensuring that each child receives the attention and resources they need to thrive academically.
In his address, Minister Barada credited the successful implementation of local planning strategies (Micro-planification) that have facilitated better management of student distribution across classrooms. This strategic planning is complemented by ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, particularly in major cities such as Casablanca, Marrakech, and Fez. To this end, the minister indicated that 57 new schools have been constructed in Casablanca, alongside 43 in Marrakech and 47 in Fez, all set to be operational for the new school year. This significant investment in educational infrastructure is expected to further alleviate the pressures of overcrowding and enhance the overall quality of education in Morocco.
As reported by ahdath.info.
