Schools of Eminence: Over 71,000 students apply for Punjab’s flagship education project

Schools of Eminence have attracted more than 71,000 applications across Punjab, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz saying the overwhelming response reflects growing public confidence in the province’s government education system.

Maryam Nawaz chaired a meeting in Lahore to review the project’s progress. During the meeting, she directed officials to make 114 Schools of Eminence operational by Aug. 14. She also set a target to complete 300 schools across Punjab by September.

Officials said the institutions will meet international education standards. They will limit each classroom to 30 students, employ qualified teachers and provide modern learning facilities.

Under the programme, students from families earning up to Rs200,000 per month will receive free education. Meanwhile, the government will reserve 10% of seats for students whose families can pay the full tuition fee.

Maryam Nawaz described the initiative as a major milestone for Punjab’s education sector. She said the large number of applications demonstrates that parents are once again placing their trust in public schools.

Furthermore, she announced that the government plans to establish Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence in every division, district and tehsil across the province.

The chief minister also praised Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat and his team for advancing the project. She thanked them for their efforts in implementing the education initiative.