UNESCO says Morocco has made significant progress in expanding access to education, but major challenges remain in student retention, learning outcomes, and inequality.
According to the Education Monitoring 2026 report, the number of out-of-school children in Morocco fell sharply from more than 2 million in 2000 to about 570,000 in 2023.
However, the report highlights persistent dropout rates, with only about one in four students who start school ultimately earning a high school diploma. Around 16% of students fail to complete primary school, 53% drop out before finishing middle school, and 74% never reach high school graduation.
Enrollment gaps also remain significant. Approximately 48,000 primary school-aged children, 86,000 middle school students, and 418,000 high school students are currently out of school.
For those who remain in classrooms, learning outcomes are a growing concern. Nearly 60% of primary school students do not meet minimum reading standards, while 78% fall short in mathematics. The situation worsens in middle school, where only 19% achieve basic reading proficiency and just 18% meet minimum math standards.
Grade repetition is also widespread, with about one in four middle school students older than the expected age for their grade level.
The report underscores the role of inequality in shaping these outcomes. Students in rural areas face greater barriers, particularly beyond primary education, while children from wealthier families are significantly more likely to complete their schooling and achieve higher academic performance.
Despite these challenges, the report points to areas of progress. Public investment in education has increased, all teachers now receive training, and early childhood education enrollment rose from 49% in 2015 to 88% in 2024.
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