For the two preschools directly under the Department - Kindergarten B and Viet Trieu Friendship Kindergarten - the plan is to transfer management to ward-level authorities. Previously, under Resolution 19-NQ/TW on reorganizing public service units, both schools had shifted to a financially autonomous public model.

After restructuring, the number of schools serving students with disabilities will be reduced to six. The city will continue reviewing and implementing adjustments, including upgrading Nguyen Dinh Chieu Primary and Secondary School to include a high school level, forming a multi-level institution with specialized classes.

Xa Dan Primary and Secondary School and Binh Minh Primary School are set to be merged into a specialized school once the city completes construction of a dedicated facility in Thach Ban ward (former Long Bien district). Special education schools currently managed at commune and ward levels will also be reorganized into four institutions to improve efficiency and better meet learning needs.

For the Hanoi Education Staff Training School, the Department will study restructuring options to enhance operational effectiveness.

Restructuring schools under commune and ward authorities

In the 2026-2027 period, the Department will coordinate with local authorities to review and assess the current system. It proposes maintaining the existing network of preschools, primary schools and lower secondary schools in 108 out of 126 communes and wards.

Reorganization is proposed in 18 communes and wards, including Bach Mai, Bo De, Chuong My, Cua Nam, Ha Dong, Hai Ba Trung, Hong Ha, Ngoc Ha, Son Tay, An Khanh, Chuong Duong, Dan Phuong, Phu Cat, Phuc Loc, Thach That, Yen Bai, Phu Nghia and Minh Chau.

The proposed adjustments are based on several factors.

Many schools operate below minimum standards, with only five to eight classes, and in some cases struggle to enroll enough students. Mergers are expected to create institutions with 20 to 30 classes, meeting regulatory requirements.

Limited land area and deteriorating facilities are also common, particularly in central and older residential areas. Some schools are located deep within narrow alleys, with insufficient space for classrooms, functional rooms or playgrounds, making it difficult to meet national standards.

In addition, the close proximity of schools - sometimes just 200 meters to under 1.5 kilometers apart - leads to overlapping catchment areas, inefficient resource use and unnecessary competition for student enrollment.

The restructuring also aims to improve management efficiency and optimize resources in line with administrative boundaries and development plans. In some cases, adjustments will align with jurisdictional changes, such as transferring Phu Nghia Industrial Zone Kindergarten to Chuong My ward due to its actual location.

For Minh Chau island commune, where access is difficult and dependent on ferry transport, authorities propose developing a multi-level school combining primary, lower secondary and high school education through consolidation and upgrading, tailored to local conditions.

As a result, during the 2026-2027 period, the number of preschools will be reduced by 23 (from 811 to 788), primary schools by four (from 728 to 724), and lower secondary schools by eight (from 614 to 606). Meanwhile, one additional combined primary and lower secondary school will be established, along with one multi-level school covering primary, lower secondary and high school levels.

Towards a more streamlined system

In the 2028-2030 period, the Department will continue reviewing and advising the city on improving school governance and quality.

Hanoi plans to reform its management model toward a more streamlined structure, reducing administrative positions such as principals, accountants and clerical staff, while maintaining all school campuses to ensure no disruption to students’ access to education.

Under this model, smaller preschools, primary and lower secondary schools within each commune or ward will be reorganized into multi-campus institutions. The plan envisions restructuring into 429 preschools, 260 primary schools and 352 lower secondary schools operating under this multi-site model.

Thanh Hung