Private schools have demanded financial support from the Ministry of Education.

“Private schools save SR12 billion annually for the government and these schools deserve government support,” said Osman Al-Gosaibi, chairman of the education committee at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).

“Most students simply change schools if the schools they are in increase their fees. Yet private schools need to cover costs, such as renovating their buildings and paying ever-increasing salaries to their staff,” he said.

“Private schools cannot even increase their fees without gaining approval from the education committee, which was formed by the Education Ministry.”

“Private schools need to make profits and avoid losses to continue working,” Salem Abu Hajr, a member of the private schools committee at the Jeddah Chamber for Commerce and Industry (JCCI), told Arab News.

Abu Hajr said tuition fees are still in the normal range.

“Private schools are forced to raise their fees to cover the cost of their staff’s housing, medical and financial allowances.”

“Private schools also need to develop their education technology. Government support is, therefore, imperative,” he added.

According to official statistics, there are an estimated 576,000 students being taught by more than 51,500 teachers at private schools.

Saudi teachers represent anywhere from 20 to 35 percent of all teachers, while female teachers form 82 percent of the total work force.

The Ministry of Education had approved a system to control tuition at private schools based on a specific criteria that takes into account venue standards and educational services.

The system is overseen by a committee headed by Muhammad Al-Otaibi, director-general of the ministry’s foreign education division.

This committee classifies each school and determines tuition accordingly.