More than 85,000 first graders will apply for admission to public schools electronically for the upcoming academic year.

Riyadh tops the list of “electronic” newcomers, with more than 27,000 students.

Sources said that the Ministry of Education is obliged to accept all newcomers regardless of how they apply as long as they meet the requirements for admission.

The same sources said the ministry opened the electronic system eight months prior to the start of term to accommodate all applicants.

The Ministry of Education stipulates that parents should submit applications via its electronic system, “Noor Education Management,” which began accepting online applications two years ago.

First graders can be enrolled in public schools and Qur’an memorization schools through the system.

“Enrollment is denied in the event applicants fail to submit a medical report, prove that their homes are situated in the same neighborhood where the school is located and meet age requirements,” said the source.

“Students who are half a year younger than the minimum age must acquire a certificate from a ministry-endorsed kindergarten stating they have passed prerequisite tests.”

The Ministry of Education earlier announced that more than 100,000 male and female students had gained acceptance in a 50-day period.

Meanwhile, the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Project for the Development of Public Education, “Tatweer,” has launched a training program on learning indicators and developing child cognitive ability through the program, which targets 30 educational supervisors across the Kingdom.

“The company seeks to promote early childhood education, which has been implemented in Riyadh, the Eastern Province, Jeddah, Qasim and Hail, by training 30 female educational supervisors on how to use tools for measuring development at kindergarten level at its headquarters,” said Mansour Salamah, executive vice president for educational programs at Tatweer.

Tatweer has held partnerships with various local and international organizations specializing in early childhood education.

The company has realized significant growth in the number of kindergartens across the country over the past three years, opening more than 100 kindergarten establishments, according to official statistics.