Attendance rates among students and teachers at Bahrain's primary and private schools have improved considerably since the resumption of classes earlier this week, according to Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the minister said rates for schools in the Central and Capital governorates had seen the biggest increase.

He was speaking after carrying out a series of inspections at schools around the country, during which he met teachers and administration staff.

Dr Al Nuaimi announced that all mid-term exams would be held according to the original timetable and said efforts would be stepped up to compensate for lost class time in recent weeks.

He went on to stress the resolve of the ministry to protect students' rights to learn and said the ministry was banking on co-operation of parents and teachers to achieve this goal.-TradeArabia News Service