Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Education and Training released a report last week detailing the outcomes of its public school network reorganization. This initiative led to a significant reduction in administrative staff, with a majority moving into teaching roles.
The city now has 1,486 preschools and general education schools, representing a 32% decrease. The most substantial reduction occurred at the preschool level, with nearly 38% fewer institutions, totaling approximately 268 fewer units. Conversely, the number of inter-level primary-lower secondary schools increased from 14 to 44, while the number of upper secondary schools remained unchanged.
The current number of principals and vice principals stands at nearly 3,130, a reduction of almost 2,750 individuals, or nearly 47%. Of these, over 2,400 had suitable professional qualifications and transitioned to teaching positions. Despite this, the city still faces a shortage of approximately 9,000 classroom teachers. The Department plans to advise on recruitment after staffing is stabilized.
A detailed breakdown of the transitions is as follows:
| Number of administrators transitioning to teaching | Transferred to other positions | Retired/Left due to policy | |
| Preschool | 973 | 54 | 65 |
| Primary school | 938 | 48 | 69 |
| Lower secondary school | 528 | 25 | 22 |
| Continuing education | 23 | 0 | 0 |
The Department confirmed that all reorganized schools have completed legal procedures, solidified leadership and management, obtained seals, established accounts, and arranged staffing. Over 90% of asset and financial transfers have also been finalized.
Nationwide, the public general education school network restructuring concluded in late August, resulting in a reduction of nearly 19,000 units (from 37,515 to 18,575), equivalent to 50,5%. Over 32,600 principals and vice principals were subject to job reallocation, with approximately 28,000 transitioning to teaching roles.
According to the Ministry of Education and Training, this restructuring aims to streamline the organizational structure, shift from "education management" to "education development governance," and enhance overall quality. The two models emerging from the mergers are large-scale single-level schools (with branches and satellite campuses) and inter-level schools.
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Teachers at Le Thi Rieng primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary school, Thoi An ward, 9/2026. Photo: Quynh Tran |
Le Nguyen - Nguyen Quyen
