World Bank: Morocco’s 'pioneer schools' program shows early gains in student performance

Morocco’s public schools are beginning to show signs of a major turnaround, with the World Bank saying the country’s “Pioneer Schools” program is already helping students learn faster and narrowing gaps between children from different social and geographic backgrounds.

Although the program was launched in 2023 as part of Morocco’s national education roadmap for 2022–2026, early evaluations suggest that students are already performing significantly better in key subjects such as reading, writing and math.

According to the World Bank, students enrolled in Pioneer Schools scored 82% higher in learning outcomes than students in comparable public schools outside the program after just one year.

The findings come from an initial impact evaluation conducted by the research group J-PAL, which examined how the new system is affecting classroom performance.

The reforms now cover 4,626 public primary schools across Morocco and reach more than 2 million students, meaning that over half of the country’s primary schools are now part of the program.

Rather than focusing only on changing textbooks or school schedules, the Pioneer Schools model addresses several challenges simultaneously.

The World Bank said Morocco’s approach combines structured teaching methods, stronger support for teachers, improved school management, and increased resources for classrooms.

One of the most significant changes is additional support for struggling students through what teachers describe as “intensive catch-up learning.” Instead of allowing weaker students to fall further behind, schools provide targeted support and additional learning time until they reach the same level as their classmates.

The program is also transforming the school environment. According to the World Bank, participating schools have received upgraded infrastructure, digital tools and larger operating budgets. Funding allocated under the initiative has tripled.

Teachers are also receiving expanded training and coaching to improve classroom practices and better respond to students’ needs.

The World Bank described Morocco’s experience as evidence that large-scale improvements in public education are possible when reforms are backed by clear goals, consistent teacher support, and evidence-based teaching methods.