17 million students return to class; new curriculum introduced across 11 grade levels

The 2026-2027 academic year at primary and secondary education institutions under the Ministry of Education began on September 14. A total of 17 million students and 1.2 million teachers returned to class.

The 'Turkey's Century Education Model' curriculum, which was applied only at a few pilot grade levels last year, expanded significantly this year. Preschool and preparatory classes alongside primary grades 1, 2, and 3; middle school grades 5, 6, and 7; and secondary preparation level and grades 9, 10, and 11 are now joining the new curriculum. In the previous period, only primary grade 1 and middle school grade 5 had adopted this curriculum; the scope doubled in a single move this year.

An intensive security operation preceded the opening: according to Ministry data, 148 operations were conducted before schools opened, and proceedings were initiated against 2,447 individuals. No details regarding the nature of the operations were shared.

The Ministry of Education has also planned activities for opening week under the title 'Let Kites Fly Free, Keep the Sky for Children' to draw attention to Gaza. Adaptation training sessions were completed between September 7–11 to ease the transition for preschool, primary grade 1, and middle school grade 5 students.