Govt bans forcing students as private candidates in Cambridge schools

The Sindh Education and Literacy Department has imposed a ban on private schools operating under the Cambridge system from forcing students to appear as private candidates in exams.

This directive, issued by the Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions Sindh, comes in response to mounting complaints regarding the alleged exploitation of students in certain upscale private schools.

According to the new circular, schools affiliated with the Cambridge International Examination (CIE) system cannot cancel students' admissions or compel them to sit for exams as private candidates under any circumstances. The department made it clear that such practices are not only illegal but also unethical and contrary to the principles of justice.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Rafia Malah, Additional Registrar of Private Institutions Sindh, confirmed that several complaints had been received about private schools in posh areas of the metropolis.

"These schools charge exorbitant fees throughout the year and conduct thorough interviews during admissions. As exams approach, they use minor issues such as attendance or academic performance as excuses to force students into the private candidate system," Malah stated. "This exploitative practice not only harms students academically but also causes significant psychological distress."

The circular states that this practice undermines the very purpose of education, as schools are not merely responsible for completing the curriculum but also for properly preparing students for exams. The directive also highlighted that the ultimate responsibility for students' academic performance lies with the school administration and teachers.