Education in Brunei Darussalam

1. National Education Policy
The Education Policy of Negara Brunei Darussalam aims “to establish an effective, efficient and equitable system of education that is in agreement with the national philosophy of a Malay Islamic Monarchy. The Education System will therefore provide opportunities for all Bruneians to realize their fullest potential so as to contribute to the development of a progressive and peaceful nation, where the Malay language and culture, Islamic faith and values, and loyalty and allegiance to the Monarch and the State are emphasized.

The aims of the National Education Policy are as follows:

1. To provide at least 12 years of education for every Bruneian child, namely 7 years in primary (including pre-school), 3 years in lower secondary and 2 years in upper secondary or in a vocational school or technical college;

2. To provide a common curriculum and common public examination for all schools in the country;

3. To promote and sustain the bilingual system in which Bahasa Melayu will continue to play a leading role, while the standard of the English language will be raised progressively;

4. To provide education in the Islamic religion by ensuring that Islamic values and Islamic way of life are integrated into the education system through an appropriate curriculum;

5. To promote the development of a national identity, in which all Bruneians, as loyal subjects and under the leadership of the Monarch, play useful roles in fulfilling the changing needs of the country;

6. To offer higher education opportunities to those who are capable and qualified, in accordance with the needs of the country;

7. To provide all Bruneian children with opportunities to fulfill their needs and aspirations and to allow them to participate as citizens in the development of the nation.

The objectives of the Education System are as follows:

1. To foster the continuing, all-round development of each individual in terms of intellectual, spiritual, social, physical and aesthetic competencies and dispositions, that would enable him or her to uphold and contribute towards the aspirations of the country.

2. To cultivate in each individual the values and cultural norms of Bruneian society, which is centred on the principle of a Malay Islamic Monarchy;

3. To enable each individual to develop fluency in Bahasa Melayu and appreciate its role as the official language, while at the same time acquiring proficiency in the English Language;

4. To inculcate in each individual respect for and faith in the teachings of Islam, so that they will be able to live according to its tenets;

5. To cultivate in each individual a sense of loyalty to the Monarch, the State and its laws and the importance of being responsive and responsible citizens; and

6. To instill in each individual the desire for progress and peace by learning to adapt appropriately to contemporary changes, while adhering to the abiding values and goals of Brunei Darussalam.

2. The School System
The formal school system in Brunei Darussalam has adopted a 6-3-2-2 pattern, representing primary, lower secondary, upper secondary and pre-tertiary levels respectively. However, in 1979, one year of pre-school education was introduced. Education and training at the post-secondary level, in both academic and professional fields, is provided by the University Brunei Darussalam, the Institute of Technology, the Nursing College and various technical and vocational institutions and training centres.

3. Schools/Institutions under the Ministry of Education
The total number of schools and institutions under the Ministry of Education, including non-government / private schools and University of Brunei Darussalam are: Primary (169 ), Secondary (38), Technical/Vocational (6), Higher Institution (2)

4. Primary and Secondary Schools
Brunei Darussalam has four districts, namely, Brunei-Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong Districts. The distribution of government and non-government primary and secondary schools by district in 1999, was as follows:

 *) Including those functioning only as kindergarten and nursery schools

5. Primary and Secondary Education
Since 1979, primary education in Brunei Darussalam has taken seven years. On completion of seven years of primary education, pupils sit the Primary Certificate Examination at the end of Primary VI. On completion of Primary VI pupils enter Lower Secondary at Form 1 for the Level 1 or Level 11 course. The duration of schooling at Lower Secondary level is three years.

At the end of the third Form, students sit the Lower Secondary Assessment (PMB). On completion of the PMB examination, students either:

1. pursue a two or three year course leading to the Brunei-Cambridge General Certificate of Education examination or the GCE Normal or "N" Level examination; or

2. pursue craft and basic technical level courses at technical or vocational institutions, or enter the employment market.

With adequate and relevant Ordinary Level passes, students may proceed to a further two-year Pre-University course leading to the Brunei-Cambridge Advanced Level Certificate of Education examination.  Others may opt for employment or undertake education and training programs at the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education, University of Brunei Darussalam, the Sinaut Agricultural Training Centre, technical colleges, vocational schools, the Nursing College or study abroad.

6. Technical and Vocational Institutions
Technical and vocational institutions offer employment-focused programs. The number of such institutions is as follows:

7. Tertiary Institutions
Tertiary institutions in Brunei Darussalam include the Universiti Brunei Darussalam, the Institute of Technology Brunei and the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah College of Nursing.  In 1997, Universiti Brunei Darussalam had an enrolment of 1,498.

8. Special Education Unit
The Special Education Unit was established in 1994 to provide assistance to students with learning difficulties. Staffed by psychologists and special educators, the Unit, in conjunction with Universiti Brunei Darussalam, trains Learning Assistance Teachers. It also aims to establish a comprehensive special education system in a number of schools, identify children with learning problems, develop remedial programs for them and develop preventive measures for the future.