The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has slammed the Education Ministry for its poor performance in 2012, saying most public schools had failed to provide a suitable learning environment because of overcrowded classrooms, unqualified teachers and lack of proper school buildings.

The HRC, which is a government body, also criticized the ministry for not taking care of students' health. “The ministry's schools are unfit for an ideal learning environment,” it said.

The body said unqualified teachers are the main reason for the disappointing academic standards at schools. “We have received 182 complaints related to public education.”

Saudi teachers and parents applauded the HRC for its observations and hoped it would lead to drastic changes to improve public education in the country.

“Most classrooms have 40 to 50 students because of a lack of school buildings,” said Ezzuddin Hafiz, a Saudi teacher. “It is very difficult for a teacher to manage such overcrowded classes. This will naturally affect educational standards,” he told Arab News.

He urged the government to invest more into education, by constructing good school buildings and appointing more trained and qualified teachers.