Over 32,620 principals and vice-principals reassigned after school mergers

Over 32,620 principals and vice-principals will become teachers, retire, or transfer jobs following school restructuring, an increase of over 12,000 from initial estimates.

The Ministry of Education and Training detailed this information in its 2025-2026 academic year summary report, presented on the morning of 27/8.

The Ministry announced that 16 provinces and cities have completed public school restructuring; the remainder will be finished by 30/8. Nationally, nearly 19,000 schools are expected to be reduced, decreasing from 37,515 to 18,575, equivalent to 50.5%. This figure is nearly 3,000 schools higher than statistics from earlier this month.

After restructuring, each school will have one principal, and each main school and branch campus will have one vice-principal. Consequently, 32,625 principals and vice-principals are being reassigned, an increase of 12,000 individuals. This group will transition to teaching roles, helping to address the long-standing teacher shortage; others will transfer to different positions or opt for early retirement, according to regulations and personal preferences.

Additionally, over 11,000 school staff members are affected. They are being considered for educational support positions, such as academic affairs or equipment management, or as teachers if they meet the requirements.

The nation is nearing completion of public school restructuring and mergers. The goal is to reduce at least 30% of administrative units, and up to 50% in favorable areas. This aims to shift from "educational management" to "educational development governance" and improve quality.

Two models are being applied: large-scale single-level schools with branch campuses and satellite classrooms, and multi-level general education schools. Branch campuses and satellite classrooms will not establish their own management teams or specialized departments. Schools must ensure stable, continuous educational activities, without disrupting teaching and learning or the rights of students, educators, and related parties.

According to statistics from early August, many localities anticipate reducing over 50% of school administrative units, including Dong Thap, Hung Yen, Ha Tinh, and Thai Nguyen. TP HCM expects a reduction of about 32% of units, the lowest among 34 provinces and cities; the remaining generally fall between 35-50%.