Students over 1,75m tall, but school furniture remains unchanged for 20 years

Nearly 125,000 students exceed 1,75m in height, yet much of the school furniture has been in use for two decades; localities are now directed to review and measure student heights for proper arrangement.

The content was outlined in a directive on student desk and chair standards, issued by the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) on 22/8.

MoET reported that a survey across six provinces and cities indicated most schools use a single furniture size for all grade levels. Many existing furniture types do not comply with any regulated dimensions. Compounding this, students have diverse heights, with nearly 125,000 students exceeding 1,75m, according to a 2024 report from 35 out of 63 provinces and cities.

Furthermore, much of the furniture has been in use for over 20 years without repair or replacement. Many schools still utilize three- or four-seater desks or integrated desk-chair units. Some classrooms, due to their small size, cannot ensure the mandated 1,5 m² per student, making it difficult to arrange furniture according to regulations.

The agency is currently collaborating with the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Health to research and develop revised standards for school furniture. While awaiting the results of anthropometric studies on students and a review of related standards, MoET has requested localities to categorize existing furniture, measure student heights at the beginning of the academic year for proper arrangement, and calculate the quantities needing repair or new purchases.

For students exceeding 175 cm in height, the Departments of Education and Training (DoETs) are tasked with leading and guiding schools to determine appropriate furniture dimensions.