RAMALLAH, September 6, 2026 (WAFA) — Around 846,000 Palestinian students today returned to schools across the West Bank, marking the start of the 2026/2027 academic year.

The students are enrolled in 2,537 public and private schools, as well as schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), under the supervision of around 54,000 teachers.

According to data from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, 634,294 students are enrolled in 1,967 public schools, while 163,787 students attend 480 private schools. Another 48,208 students are enrolled in 90 UNRWA schools.

The teaching staff comprises 40,747 teachers in public schools, 11,578 in private schools, and 1,871 in UNRWA schools, bringing the total teaching workforce to 54,196.

In the Gaza Strip, the academic year is scheduled to begin on September 16 with administrative and teaching staff returning to work, while students are expected to resume classes on September 19.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education is preparing around 700 in-person learning points and 25 temporary schools in Gaza, alongside continuing virtual education for students unable to access in-person learning.

These arrangements are expected to enable around 541,000 students in the war-ridden enclave to continue their education, within the available resources and prevailing conditions.

M.N