KP Outsources 2,000 Government Primary Schools
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has initiated a significant move to outsource 2,000 government primary schools across the province as part of efforts to enhance education quality and operational efficiency. This move extends previous outsourcing initiatives seen in the healthcare sector, notably within government hospitals.
According to the provincial education department, the outsourcing plans have already been implemented in 500 schools, each receiving a monthly allocation of Rs300,000 from government funds to cover staff salaries and operational costs. The initiative targets improving the management and academic outcomes of public primary schools.
Of particular note is the progress seen in winter zone areas, where 233 schools have been outsourced. These schools reported an impressive 89 percent increase in student enrolment, growing from 4,086 to 7,718 students. This rise highlights growing community trust and engagement with the outsourced school management model.
The department has set clear performance targets under the program. Each school is expected to increase enrollment from an average of 40 students to 180 within a year under contractual agreements. This framework includes strict accountability measures, with contracts subject to termination if schools fail to meet the agreed-upon objectives.
At the time of the decision in October 2025, the cost per student in public schools stood at Rs3,517 per month. With the outsourcing initiative, this figure is anticipated to reduce to Rs1,667 per student, leading to better resource utilization and cost-efficiency in the education sector.
The education department identified underperforming schools and students through assessments, with 40 percent of students across 4,147 public schools categorized as underperforming. The outsourcing plan aims to address these challenges by improving academic standards and school management practices.
The program will be implemented in three phases: the first phase has outsourced 500 schools, followed by a second phase targeting 1,000 schools. The third phase will complete the outsourcing process with the remaining 2,000 schools. Each school involved in the program will continue to receive a monthly budget of Rs300,000 to ensure effective management and operational efficiency.
This outsourcing initiative by the KP government reflects a strategic approach to tackle systemic issues within public education, focusing on accountability, increased enrolment, and cost reduction in government primary schools.