14 wards in Ho Chi Minh City announce school mergers, name changes

Nearly 100 schools from preschool to junior high are merging and changing names as 14 communes and wards restructure public schools.

The mergers involve at least two to ten schools in each ward, primarily targeting small preschools and primary schools. The most frequently adopted model is a large single-level school comprising a main campus and several branches or satellite sites.

For instance, Nha Be Preschool (Nha Be commune) was formed by combining Son Ca, Thi Tran Nha Be, and Tuoi Ngoc preschools. Similarly, Nguyen Cong Tru Primary School (Binh Tri Dong ward) resulted from the merger of Binh Tri Dong A, Nguyen Cong Tru, and Tran Nhan Tong primary schools.

Only a few localities, such as Chanh Hung and Tan Dinh wards, and Ho Tram commune, opted to establish inter-level schools, which combine two or three primary and junior high schools.

Schools that remain unchanged are typically those considered leading and integrated, currently piloting new preschool programs, or already operating at a significant scale: more than 10 classes for preschools and over 28 classes for general education schools.

List of schools after mergers in 14 communes and wards

Regarding naming conventions, most merged schools adopt the name of the institution designated as the main campus. Each school will have one principal, with vice-principals directly overseeing the branches and satellite sites. Administrative teams, including accountants, secretaries, and treasurers, will be consolidated.

Ho Chi Minh City, which comprises 168 communes and wards, expects a reduction of approximately 630 school units. The Department of Education and Training stated this restructuring will impact over 3,100 principals, vice-principals, and staff members. These individuals will either be reassigned to other positions or retire with benefits.

Nationwide, public school networks are being reorganized with the goal of reducing at least 30% of school units. This initiative aims to establish larger educational institutions and enhance educational quality. Provinces and cities anticipate approximately 20,000 principals and vice-principals will become redundant, with 11,000 of them transitioning into teaching roles.