New O-level, A-level school to be built in Hulhumale' Phase 2

Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu has announced that construction of a new school up to Grade 10, along with a dedicated A-level school, will begin this year in Hulhumale' Phase 2.

Speaking in an interview with Mihaaru News last week, the minister said schools in Hulhumale' are currently operating at near-full capacity, highlighting the urgent need for additional education facilities in the rapidly growing urban area.

Minister Shafeeu said the concept for a new Grade 1–10 school in Hulhumale' Phase 2 has been finalized and is now at the design stage. Physical construction is expected to begin by the first quarter of this year at the latest.

“Hulhumale' Phase 2 has the fastest-growing population in the country, and there is a clear need for another school,” he said.

Referring to capacity pressures, the minister said Shaheed Ali School was originally planned to accommodate around 1,850 students, but enrolment has increased to more than 2,000 following the recent allocation of Fahi flats.

“Next year, we can accommodate a maximum of about 600 new students, so there will be no issue in the short term,” he said.

“However, if we do not have another school by 2027, we will not be able to accommodate additional students in Hulhumale' Phase 2.”

For this reason, he said, construction of a new school has been prioritized to begin this year.

Hulhumale' Phase 1

Hulhumale' Phase 2

Based on current demand for school placements and the number of students entering Grade 1 each year, Minister Shafeeu said the need for a higher secondary school in Hulhumale' Phase 2 is becoming increasingly urgent.

“A separate A-level school will be required for Hulhumale' Phase 2,” he said. “Previously, when only students who passed five subjects were eligible for A-levels, there was enough space.”

However, he noted that eligibility rules were later revised to accommodate more students, significantly increasing enrolment pressure.

“At present, there is no dedicated A-level school in Hulhumale' Phase 2,” the minister said.

He added that constructing an A-level school near the two existing schools in Phase 2 would make it more convenient for students.

While the concept for the A-level school has not yet been formally launched, Minister Shafeeu confirmed that a specialized A-level school will also be built in Hulhumale' Phase 2.