The 2026-2027 academic year officially started on September 7 in the Béni Mellal-Khénifra region, with the theme "For a quality school for all." A total of 586,193 students have joined educational institutions in the region, which is marked by an enhanced educational offer, improved reception conditions, and ongoing implementation of various education reform projects.
During a press conference on the school year, Mohamed Boudchich, director of the Regional Academy of Education and Training (AREF) in Béni Mellal-Khénifra, emphasized that this meeting is an important step in communication with local and regional media around a significant event for the education system. He noted that the school year has been characterized by great stability in the region, thanks to the sustained efforts of all stakeholders, particularly teachers and administrative staff, as well as the support of institutional partners.
To accommodate the growing number of students and improve reception capacities, the AREF has continued its efforts in expanding and modernizing the school network. Eleven new schools were opened for this school year, including four autonomous schools, three community schools, two high schools, and two colleges. These new structures bring the total number of educational institutions in the region to 2,128.
The expansion of the educational offer has also been reflected in the creation of 177 new classrooms, including 55 dedicated to preschool education and 122 to other school levels. These achievements aim to reduce class overcrowding and improve learning conditions. The territorial coverage of schools now reaches 100% for primary education, 93.3% for college, and 61.5% for high school.
In terms of human resources, pedagogical supervision is ensured by a total of 23,532 teachers, mobilized alongside administrative and pedagogical staff to support the new school year and contribute to the implementation of various educational reform projects. The AREF has also continued the rehabilitation and equipment of schools, with several pilot primary schools, colleges, and training centers benefiting from interventions to improve their reception and operating conditions.
The 2026-2027 school year is also marked by the continued gradual generalization of the pilot establishment program, which is one of the important axes of pedagogical reform. At the primary level, 461 pilot establishments are participating in the program, with the integration of 211 new schools, bringing the generalization rate to 72.20%. At the college level, 93 pilot colleges are involved in the excellence project, with 43 new colleges, reaching a generalization rate of 42.10%.
The improvement of schooling conditions is also an important aspect of the school year. The region now has 150 boarding schools, accommodating around 17,059 students, a 5% increase from the previous year. Two new Dar Taliba-type structures have also opened, bringing to 101 the number of reception establishments, benefiting 6,200 students, particularly those from rural and remote areas. School transportation, which benefits 58,355 students, is also an important support device for schooling.
Key points
- Over 586,000 students have enrolled in schools in the Béni Mellal-Khénifra region for the 2026-2027 academic year.
- The region has opened 11 new schools and created 177 new classrooms to accommodate the growing number of students.
- The territorial coverage of schools in the region now reaches 100% for primary education, 93.3% for college, and 61.5% for high school.
