VIENTIANE (Laotian Times/ANN): Laos is preparing to reform its national education system by shifting to a 6+3+3 grade structure, extending primary schooling and reorganizing secondary education.
The transition, expected to begin in the 2028–2029 academic year, aims to improve learning outcomes and align the country with regional and international standards.
During the 10th Ordinary Session of the 9th National Assembly on 11 November, government officials underscored the reform as a critical priority.
Dongphet Phayon, an NA member for the 16th constituency of Sekong Province, said the revised structure will extend primary school from five to six years, followed by three years each of lower and upper secondary education.
This will replace the current 5+4+3 model, which comprises five years of primary schooling, four years of lower secondary, and three years of upper secondary.
Dongphet also stressed the need to address teacher shortages and update school curricula to support the structural changes.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone noted that the reform is part of a broader plan to enhance education quality nationwide over the next five years.
The Ministry of Education and Sports will conduct a feasibility study to prepare for the rollout, covering curriculum development, teacher training, the publication of textbooks and teacher manuals, and the procurement of essential educational equipment.
The government expects the new structure to give students a stronger foundation in core subjects such as Lao language and mathematics, while fostering critical thinking and independence.
According to the ministry, 71 percent of 133 countries surveyed already use the 6+3+3 system, highlighting Laos’ need to modernize and bring its education structure in line with global and regional norms. - Laotian Times
