Annual Education Report 2025 — ESSP Implementation

In 2025, the Ministry of Education continued steady progress in implementing the Education Sector Strategy Plan (ESSP 2024–2027). From the five strategic goals, most planned activities were either completed or significantly advanced, demonstrating continued institutional strengthening, improved service delivery, and stronger coordination with development partners.

Key highlights include progress in school infrastructure development, education research, policy implementation, digital transformation, and strengthened monitoring and evaluation system. The Ministry of Education made significant progress across the five strategic goals, strengthening education infrastructure, planning, safety, and equitable access despite ongoing funding and coordination challenges.

Key achievements included improved data and planning for teacher housing and continued construction and maintenance prioritized for outer islands; advancement of evidence-based education planning through foundational learning research and partnership with organizations such as UNICEF and EduKAiT; and expansion of safe, inclusive, and resilient school environments through upgraded WASH facilities, accessibility improvements, and the development of school contingency and emergency preparedness plans. Progress was also made in strengthening school safety policy implementation, though some training components remain pending final endorsement.

Further gains were achieved in promoting equitable access and strengthening governance systems. The Ministry progressed key policy reviews, major school construction and renovation priorities, inclusive infrastructure such as ramps, and ICT connectivity planning including the rollout of Starlink services to schools. Governance and data systems were also strengthened through the establishment of the MOE Research Repository Bank, enhanced monitoring and evaluation aligned with ESSP implementation, digitization of national archives, and improved coordination of education data systems.

Overall, 2025 laid a strong foundation for accelerating delivery in 2026, particularly in infrastructure development, research completion, policy finalization, and the continued digital transformation of the education sector.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our teachers, school leaders, students, parents, and all stakeholders who have contributed to the success of our education sector in 2025. Your dedication and commitment remain the driving force behind our continued progress.

Over the past year, the Ministry has remained committed to delivering quality education, ensuring equitable access, and strengthening operational efficiencies in alignment with the Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP).

Noticeable progress has been made in advancing resilience and transformation across the education sector. Key achievements include implementation of foundational learning reforms in the early years, improvements in teaching and assessment practices, continued investment in school infrastructure including WASH and accessibility upgrades, strengthened institutional systems through improved administration, the roll out of teacher registration, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and early progress in digital learning and inclusive education initiatives.

Despite these gains, progress has been constrained by limited financial and human resources, infrastructure and connectivity gaps, and delays in procurement and implementation processes. Technical capacity limitations, particularly in assessment, digital learning, and disaster risk management, together with coordination and logistical challenges, have also affected the pace and consistency of delivery across key programs and reforms.