Minister of Education Approves Regulations for Gifted Students Schools
Kuwait’s Minister of Education, Sayyid Jalal Al-Tabatabai, has approved the regulations governing schools for the gifted, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework that enhances these schools’ capacity to provide a specialized educational environment tailored to the nature, needs, and abilities of gifted learners. This framework supports the transformation of talents into scientific achievements that serve the future of the State of Kuwait.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of Education said the 70-article regulation, divided into nine chapters, sets out an integrated operational framework for gifted schools. This framework covers nomination, identification, and admission mechanisms, as well as the academic curriculum, enrichment programs, and assessment, extending to student monitoring and the guarantee of their rights.
The ministry added that the regulation’s provisions apply to gifted schools, enrolled students, and members of the supporting teaching, administrative, and technical staff. It noted that the study phases are to be determined by the Minister of Education, with implementation beginning in the middle school stage, covering grades six through nine, starting from the 2026/2027 academic year.
It clarified that the implementation dates for other educational stages will be determined by ministerial decision, and that gifted schools are administratively, technically, and financially affiliated with the Gifted Office.
The ministry explained that gifted schools follow the official curricula of the Ministry of Education, supplemented by an enrichment subject treated as a core academic course, allocated two hours per week. This enrichment component includes academic enrichment, practical projects, thinking and problem-solving skills, and achievements in activities and competitions. This approach aims to shift the educational process from a focus solely on academic achievement to developing learners’ capabilities in research, application, and creativity.
The ministry emphasized that the regulation takes into account the specific nature of education for the gifted by ensuring a suitable classroom environment, capping class sizes at 16 students per room. It also noted that the ministry provides transportation for students from various regions of the country, coordinated with official working hours and scheduled educational programs.
The Ministry of Education pointed out that the regulation establishes a special assessment system for the enrichment subject, totaling 100 points distributed as follows: 60 points for the project, 20 points for achievements in activities and competitions, and 20 points for work encompassing thinking skills, participation, interaction, behavior, and handling of tools. This distribution reflects the focus of gifted schools on achievement, application, and skills alongside academic knowledge.
It stated that a student’s continued enrollment in gifted schools is contingent on two clear criteria: a final overall average of no less than 90 percent, and a score of no less than 75 in the enrichment subject. These requirements ensure that the schools maintain standards consistent with their founding purpose and that enrollment remains a commitment to a comprehensive care program for the target group.
The ministry highlighted that the regulation guarantees students a range of rights, including receiving an educational and enrichment program suited to their abilities, supported by an environment, tools, and resources that nurture their talents. It also added the right of parents to review the enrichment academic program before enrolling their child, monitor the student’s progress, access their cumulative file, and be informed of decisions regarding their continued enrollment. These measures aim to strengthen the partnership between the school and the family in nurturing giftedness and tracking its development.
