The new academic year started today (January 27) after a one and a half month break.

Education Minister Ismail Shafeeu told Adhadhu that all the works of the schools had been completed before the year began.

Shafeeu said all books have been sent to students and new teachers have also been appointed to fill vacancies in schools.

The academic year began in 219 schools with more than 77,000 students and 9,000 teachers.

More than 4,000 students transferred to Grade 1 in government schools this year, including more than 1,700 students from the Male' region.

Photo: Adhadhu

In addition, more than 1,500 students moved from the atolls to Male', with more than 800 joining schools in Hulhumale'.

Schools will continue until March 8 for a break during the fasting month of Ramadan. Schools will reopen on March 23 after Eid-al-Fitr.

The first term mid-break is from May 24 to 30 while the end of the first term will be from July 17 to August 1.

The annual school holidays will start at the end of the second term from December 18 to January 12.