Private sector teams up with state schools

The Education Ministry is preparing to form a partnership with the private sector in a pilot scheme set to start in the 2018 academic year.

Chaiyaphruek Serirak, secretary-general of the Office of the Education Council, said authorities will meet soon to map out the guidelines and criteria to be used in the selection of state-run schools participating in the scheme.

Under the project, one state school in each province will be selected for a new education management model supported by private organisations.

The public-private partnership initiative in education was proposed by the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC) to a national reform steering committee chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

The steering committee gave the green light and asked for a pilot project to begin next year as part of moves to reform education in Thailand.

Mr Chaiyaphruek said a panel chaired by education permanent secretary Karun Sakulpradit is in charge of meting out the criteria participating schools must meet.

State schools that face management problems or which are classified as “underprivileged” are likely to be selected for the pilot project at first, he said.

Participating private agencies can also nominate schools for approval.

Charas Suwanwela, head of the independent committee for education reform, said the scheme is expected to tap into the vast experience of private organisations to improve education management.

The participating schools will act as juristic entities, he said.

Mr Charas said the schools will be allowed a free hand in funding and personnel management despite being supervised by the Education Ministry.

The schools are responsible for meeting the students’ education needs and maintaining standards.

The initiative is in line with the new charter which encourages the government to cooperate with local administrative organisations and the private sector in providing education.

Local authorities are expected to regulate the scheme and ensure that international standards are met.

Legal amendments will be required to facilitate the change, officials said.

Tax incentives are being considered to encourage the private sector to take part in the scheme, according to a number of sources.