Education Ministry signs MoU with International Baccalaureate Organisation

Manama, Feb. 15 (BNA): In a step marking a major development in education in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education, and Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to begin implementing the International Baccalaureate programme in government schools in Bahrain. The programme will be introduced from the start of the next academic year in September 2026.

The signing took place at the Ministry of Education headquarters in Isa Town, attended by officials from various education sectors within the ministry, representatives of government and private schools in Bahrain, and a delegation from the IBO.

Dr. Juma expressed gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their continued support for education in the Kingdom.

The Education Minister said the introduction of the International Baccalaureate in government schools is a first, starting at intermediate level from Year 8 under the Middle Years Programme (MYP). Students who complete this stage will progress to the Diploma Programme, leading to the International Baccalaureate certificate at secondary school level. He added that the ministry will announce full details on implementation, assessment standards and student registration criteria.

He welcomed the signing of the MoU with the IBO, describing it as a significant step in developing education that will have a positive impact on academic achievement and students’ future studies.