In a significant policy decision aimed at strengthening the foundation of the country's education system, the government has approved the elevation of the pay scale for head teachers of government primary schools to the 10th grade.

The move comes in compliance with a Supreme Court directive issued in Civil Review Petition No. 124/2022, which granted 45 head teachers an upgrade from the existing 11th grade to the 10th grade. Following this legal precedent, the government has extended the benefit to all head teachers nationwide.

Under the decision, a total of 65,502 head teachers across the country will be brought under the 10th grade pay scale, replacing the current structure where trained head teachers received the 11th grade and untrained head teachers were placed in the 12th grade.

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Describing the decision as “transformational,” the government said it marks a major step forward in recognising the vital role of primary educators in nation-building. The upgraded pay scale is expected to ensure greater financial security and enhance the social dignity of head teachers, enabling them to lead more effectively and contribute meaningfully to improving the quality of primary education.

“This long-anticipated reform fulfills a key demand of primary head teachers and demonstrates the government’s continued commitment to empowering educators,” the statement said.

The government further expressed its expectation that head teachers, in collaboration with fellow teachers, guardians, and stakeholders, will work proactively to elevate the standard of primary education nationwide.

Officials noted that the decision is part of broader efforts to ensure a dynamic, inclusive, and high-quality primary education system aligned with the country’s development goals.