Students attend a flag-raising ceremony at a school in Iraq during the start of the academic year in 2024.
Iraq’s Education Ministry confirms September 21 start for new school year
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Education said preparations for the 2025–2026 academic year are complete, confirming Sunday that classes will begin on Sept. 21 as scheduled.
Ministry spokesperson Karim al-Sayyid told the state-run newspaper Al Sabah that measures included providing school supplies, assigning teaching staff according to school needs, and upgrading facilities. “Preparations covered educational buildings, classrooms, playgrounds, restrooms, water tanks, and school yards,” he said.
Al-Sayyid said the work was carried out during the summer break through “intensive efforts by education departments in Baghdad and the governorates,” adding that several new school construction projects are near completion. He said the projects are part of the government’s broader program to develop the education sector.
The ministry also finalized most textbook printing and has delivered copies to schools ahead of distribution to students. “The majority of textbook printing has been completed and delivered to schools in Baghdad and the governorates, in preparation for distribution to students at the start of the official school year, in accordance with school administration instructions,” al-Sayyid said.
He reiterated that schedules remain unchanged. “The ministry previously set Sept. 1 as the date for teaching staff to report to duty, and Sept. 21 as the start of the 2025–2026 school year, while second-round exams for graduating grades were already announced,” he said.