“It’s not at all true, especially because we conduct a number of tests during this period as part of continuous evaluations,” said Muhammad Aburas, director of the city’s Education Department.

“Attendance levels at primary schools this week crossed 94 percent, while the number of absentees were at expected levels,” he said.

He said education offices in different parts of the city send daily reports about student attendances.

“Moreover, we have instructed education officials to inspect schools this week to check preparations for final exams for this academic year,” he added.