The Ministry of Education activates the Noor system to automatically monitor absences in schools

More than 6.5 million students return to school

Schools across Saudi Arabia welcomed back more than 6.5 million students on Sunday, as they resumed the second semester. This return to in-person learning follows the 16-day Eid al-Fitr holiday and marks the beginning of a crucial academic phase requiring the combined efforts of families and schools to ensure the smooth and full operation of the educational process.

Activating the Noor system to automatically monitor absences

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing school discipline from the moment the bell rings, the Saudi Ministry of Education has issued strict directives to school administrations mandating the activation of automated attendance tracking through the Noor electronic system . The Ministry revealed its firm instructions requiring daily and direct monitoring of absences and their automated documentation to ensure data accuracy and transparent tracking of attendance and departure times.

The “Noor System” is one of the most prominent pioneering digital initiatives launched by the Kingdom as part of its tireless efforts to digitally transform the education sector in accordance with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The system provides a comprehensive and unified database linking the school, the family and the ministry, which facilitates the process of monitoring and continuously evaluating students’ performance and academic discipline.

Notifying parents and strengthening community partnership

The Ministry of Education clarified that the approved regulations require schools to immediately notify parents of any absences recorded for their children. This is done through official communication channels linked to the system, such as SMS messages or approved smart applications. This swift procedure aims to strengthen the partnership and joint oversight between the school and the family, contributing to early intervention to address the reasons for absences and improve academic performance.

The Kingdom places great importance on the education sector as the cornerstone of sustainable development. Regionally, the Saudi experience in digitizing education and managing student data is a model to be emulated in the Middle East; therefore, the emphasis on discipline is part of a comprehensive national strategy to enhance the quality of educational outcomes to compete globally.

Cancel extended leave during the remaining period

In a related matter concerning the academic calendar, it's worth noting that the remainder of the second semester will be completely free of extended school holidays (long weekends). Students had become accustomed to these holidays in previous years since their introduction in the new three-semester academic calendar.

This approach aims to ensure the continuity of learning without prolonged interruptions, enabling teachers to complete the curriculum on time and giving students a better opportunity to focus and prepare for final exams with the highest level of readiness. The Ministry emphasized to all teaching and administrative staff and students the importance of strict attendance and unwavering commitment to their educational mission.