Compared to the last academic year the overall student number has increased by 28345. According to Ministry of Education statistics the number of 10-12 standard schools has increased by 25 from last year to reach 60.

There are 44 11-12 standard schools 23 less compared to last year. There has been an addition of 389 to the number of teachers bringing it to 56600. The number of administrative and technical staff stands at an estimated 11606.

Many were thrilled to be back to school. Rasheed Yahya Rasheed an eighth grader had mixed feelings though. 'While Iwas extremely happy to see my friends I am already under pressure because I have moved to a higher class. I am sure I will get over the anxiety.' Parents too were very happy to see their children begin a new academic year. For them days of preparing for school have come to an end.

'After a three-month break I had to prepare my children for school and a lot of mental preparation and shopping went into it. I am happy that Iam done with all that' said Amour al Touqi a parent. Looking at the high demand for school supplies the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) has stepped in to check unreasonable hike in prices.

'The authority had started preparing for the back-to-school season in all governorates. We have set up teams to observe the market to ensure availability of supplies and also check unnecessary price rise' a PACP official said adding that the authority keeps a watch on the quality of goods and their prices which have been standardised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.