The Lao government is considering a major change to the country’s education structure, with plans to extend primary school by adding an additional year, shifting from the current five-year primary school cycle to six years.
This proposal, discussed at the recent general meeting of the Ministry of Education and Sports, aims to improve the quality of education and better prepare students for the challenges of higher education.
Under the new plan, the education system will adopt a 6+3+3 structure, meaning six years of primary school, followed by three years in lower secondary and three years in upper secondary school. This adjustment aligns Laos with the education systems of many neighboring countries and regions, such as Thailand and China, which already follow the 6+3+3 model.
The proposed change is part of the government’s broader effort to enhance educational outcomes for Lao students. According to government officials, extending primary education by one year will give children a stronger foundation in core subjects such as Lao language, mathematics, and geography, as well as help them develop critical thinking and self-sufficiency.
This change is expected to boost academic performance and better prepare students for the next stages of their education.
Education experts believe the new system will foster stronger learning outcomes and enable Laos to catch up with global education standards. Statistics show that 71 percent of the 133 countries reviewed around the world follow the 6+3+3 structure, compared to only 7 percent that follow the 5+4+3 system.
However, before the changes are implemented, the government will need to conduct a thorough feasibility study. This will include revising curriculums, developing new textbooks and teacher manuals, and ensuring schools have the necessary infrastructure, including classroom space and educational materials. Additionally, the number of teachers will need to be increased to accommodate the additional year of primary education.
The Ministry of Education and Sports plans to roll out the new system over the next decade, with work set to begin in 2025 and continue through to 2035. As part of the transition, the ministry will seek funding to cover the costs of the expansion and will recruit new teachers to manage the additional year of primary school.
This proposed change follows a long history of education reforms in Laos, dating back to the introduction of the 5+3+3 grade structure in 1975-1976. The ministry has made gradual adjustments over the years, including a major shift in 2006 that added an extra year at the secondary school level.