Circular No. 05/2023/TT-BGDĐT Issuing the Regulation on the Organization and Operation of Specialized High Schools

CIRCULAR

Issuing regulations on the organization and operation of specialized high schools

Pursuant to the Education Law dated June 14, 2019;

Pursuant to Decree No. 86/2022/NĐ-CP dated October 24, 2022 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Education and Training;

Pursuant to Decree No. 127/2018/NĐ-CP dated September 21, 2018 of the Government stipulating the responsibilities for state management of education;

At the proposal of the Director of the Secondary Education Department,

The Minister of Education and Training issues this Circular on the regulations on the organization and operation of specialized high schools.

Clause 4 of Article 6This Circular promulgates the regulations on the organization and operation of specialized high schools.

12/2025/TT-BNNMT dated June 19, 2025 issued by the Minister of Agriculture and EnvironmentThis Circular takes effect from April 15, 2023.

This Circular replaces Circular No. 06/2012/TT-BGDĐT dated February 15, 2012 of the Minister of Education and Training promulgating the regulations on the organization and operation of specialized high schools and Circular No. 12/2014/TT-BGDĐT dated April 18, 2014 of the Minister of Education and Training amending and supplementing Article 23 and Article 24 of the regulations on the organization and operation of specialized high schools promulgated together with Circular No. 06/2012/TT-BGDĐT dated February 15, 2012 of the Minister of Education and Training.

Admissions to non-specialized classes in specialized high schools as prescribed in Circular No. 06/2012/TT-BGDĐT dated February 15, 2012 of the Minister of Education and Training promulgating the regulations on the organization and operation of specialized high schools and Circular No. 12/2014/TT-BGDĐT dated April 18, 2014 of the Minister of Education and Training amending and supplementing Article 23 and Article 24 of the regulations on the organization and operation of specialized high schools promulgated together with Circular No. 06/2012/TT-BGDĐT dated February 15, 2012 of the Minister of Education and Training shall be implemented until the end of the 2023-2024 academic year.

Non-specialized classes that have been admitted and organized in specialized high schools shall continue to operate according to the provisions of Circular No. 06/2012/TT-BGDĐT dated February 15, 2012 of the Minister of Education and Training promulgating the regulations on the organization and operation of specialized high schools and Circular No. 12/2014/TT-BGDĐT dated April 18, 2014 of the Minister of Education and Training amending and supplementing Article 23 and Article 24 of the regulations on the organization and operation of specialized high schools promulgated together with Circular No. 06/2012/TT-BGDĐT dated February 15, 2012 of the Minister of Education and Training until completion of grade 12.

Article 3. Chairmen of provincial and centrally-administered city People's Committees, Directors of Departments of Education and Training, Principals of universities with specialized high schools, organizations and individuals related thereto are responsible for implementing this Circular./.

REGULATIONS

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF SPECIALIZED HIGH SCHOOLS
(Attached to Circular No. 05/2023/TT-BGDĐT dated February 28, 2023 of the Minister of Education and Training)

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

1. These regulations stipulate the organization and operations of specialized high schools (hereinafter referred to as specialized schools), including: general provisions; classes, subject departments, administrative departments; managers, teachers, staff, and students; admissions and educational activities.

2. The organization and operations of specialized schools shall be carried out in accordance with the Charter of secondary schools and high schools and the regulations stipulated herein.

These regulations apply to specialized schools, related organizations, and individuals.

Article 2. Objectives, tasks, and authorities of specialized schools

1. Specialized schools are intended for students who have achieved good results in training and studying to develop their talents in certain subjects on the basis of ensuring comprehensive general education, creating a source for talent training, and meeting the requirements for national development.

2. Specialized schools carry out the tasks and authorities of secondary schools as stipulated in the Charter of Secondary Schools, General Secondary Schools, and Multi-grade General Schools, and additionally perform the following tasks and authorities:

a) Organizing and implementing advanced education program plans as prescribed by the Minister of Education and Training;

b) Researching and effectively applying educational programs and advanced management, teaching, examination, and evaluation methods; promoting science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics education in general education;

c) Developing a sufficient and well-structured cadre of managers, teachers, and staff with expertise in their fields, research capabilities, and proficiency in foreign languages for communication, teaching, and scientific research;

d) Coordinating with related units to organize professional training and development, language, and computer skills for managers, teachers, and staff to meet the objectives and tasks of specialized schools;

đ) Developing cooperative activities with domestic and international educational and training institutions and scientific research organizations to enhance educational quality;

e) Planning and developing infrastructure and teaching equipment according to legal regulations to meet the objectives and tasks of specialized schools;

g) Organizing and managing boarding activities for students;

h) Building, managing, and effectively utilizing information systems and databases for school administration, education, and performance evaluation;

i) Monitoring the learning and working processes of former students;

k) In each academic year, organizing at least one (1) specialized seminar on organizing and managing educational activities within the school, involving other secondary and general secondary schools, to share solutions and outcomes in fulfilling the tasks and authorities of specialized schools as stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article.

Article 3. System of Specialized Schools

1. The system of specialized schools includes provincial specialized schools (hereinafter referred to as provincial specialized schools) and specialized schools under higher education institutions.

2. Each province and centrally governed city must have at least one (1) specialized school.

Article 4. Management Authorities of Specialized Schools

1. Provincial specialized schools are managed by the Department of Education and Training.

2. Specialized schools under higher education institutions are managed by the higher education institution according to regulations on organizational work, managerial cadres, teachers, staff, infrastructure, finance, admissions, and detailed provisions in the Regulations on the Organization and Operation of Higher Education Institutions; they are subject to the management of the Department of Education and Training where the school is located regarding the implementation of educational programs and plans, final examinations, and graduation certificates issuance.

Article 5. Investment Policies for Ensuring Educational Quality Conditions

1. Specialized schools shall be prioritized:

a) Staffing management officials, teachers, and employees according to the established quota and meeting the prescribed standards;

b) Investing in the construction of modern and synchronized physical facilities and teaching equipment in accordance with the law;

c) Allocating regular operating funds as prescribed by law to ensure educational activities;

d) Inviting domestic and foreign experts, lecturers, and teachers to provide specialized training, professional development, and scientific research guidance for management officials, teachers, and students as prescribed;

đ) Specialized schools under higher education institutions shall be provided with conditions to utilize the physical facilities, teaching equipment, laboratories, practical rooms, and lecturers of the higher education institution to conduct teaching and student training.

2. Provincial People's Committees (hereinafter referred to collectively as provincial People's Committees) shall submit to the competent authority for decision on additional budget investment policies for specialized schools under their province in accordance with the law on physical facilities, preferential treatment for management officials, teachers, and staff, and creating conditions for management officials and teachers of specialized classes as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 8 of this Regulation to attend training and professional development both domestically and internationally.

3. Higher education institutions with specialized schools shall decide on supplementary investment policies for ensuring educational quality conditions for specialized schools under their higher education institutions in accordance with the law.

Article 6. Encouragement Policies for Management Officials, Teachers, Staff, and Students

1. Management officials, teachers, and staff of specialized schools shall enjoy preferential policies as prescribed by the Government.

Provincial People's Committees (for specialized schools under the province), higher education institutions (for specialized schools under higher education institutions) shall base their decisions on legal provisions to submit to the competent authority for decision or decide on supplementary preferential treatment and reward policies for outstanding management officials, teachers, and staff of specialized schools based on assigned tasks.

2. Students of specialized schools who win awards in national and international competitions in cultural subjects and science and technology contests shall be eligible for scholarships and rewards as prescribed.

Provincial People's Committees (for specialized schools under the province), higher education institutions (for specialized schools under higher education institutions) shall decide on supplementary scholarship and reward policies for outstanding students in academic performance and discipline, and achievements in national and international competitions in cultural subjects and science and technology contests.

3. Direct admission and priority admission to domestic higher education institutions, and sending students abroad for training at higher education institutions overseas shall be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training.

Article 7. Assets of Specialized Schools

Specialized schools shall be invested in physical facilities and equipment like national standard secondary schools, in addition to being prioritized for:

1. Classrooms and auxiliary learning spaces in sufficient quantity and standard, equipped with synchronized facilities to ensure conditions for two daily teaching sessions.

2. Modern and synchronized teaching equipment to serve the training of gifted students and organize cultural, artistic, and scientific research activities for teachers and students.

3. Dormitories and dining halls for boarding students.

4. Residential quarters for teachers.

5. Sports fields, multi-purpose halls, swimming pools, and other sports equipment and tools.

Chapter II

CLASSROOMS, SUBJECT TEAMS, ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENTS

Article 8. Specialized classes in specialized schools

1. Specialized classes in specialized schools shall be organized according to subjects in the general education program issued by the Minister of Education and Training, including: Literature, History, Geography, Foreign Languages, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology (hereinafter referred to collectively as specialized classes).

2. Non-specialized classes shall not be organized in specialized schools.

3. Each specialized class shall have no more than thirty-five students.

4. Based on the conditions ensuring educational quality and the proposal of the principal of the specialized school, the management authority of the specialized school shall decide the number of subjects for which specialized classes (hereinafter referred to as specialized subjects) are organized and the number of specialized classes for each specialized subject.

Article 9. Subject Departments

The subject departments of specialized schools shall be established and perform their tasks in accordance with the Charter of Secondary Schools, High Schools, and Multi-level General Education Schools, and shall also undertake the following additional tasks:

1. Developing programs and building teaching materials for specialized subjects in accordance with the advanced education program for specialized subjects prescribed by the Minister of Education and Training; researching and applying advanced teaching methods, examination, and evaluation methods into teaching, examination, and assessment of students' learning outcomes and training.

2. Advising the principal to build and implement plans for developing cooperative activities between the school and high-quality educational and training institutions, scientific research institutions both domestically and internationally to enhance educational quality and management.

3. Organizing scientific research, making teaching equipment and materials; supporting teachers in conducting scientific research and guiding students in scientific research.

4. Building a core team of teachers from the subject department for the school's and central city's professional activities.

5. Organizing the development of professional skills and vocational training for members of the subject department.

6. Monitoring the study and work process of former students.

7. In each academic year, organizing at least one professional activity meeting inviting teachers from other secondary and high schools to participate in sharing solutions and results of the subject department's implementation of effective application of educational programs and advanced domestic and international teaching, examination, and evaluation methods.

Article 10. Administrative Office

The administrative office of specialized schools shall be established and perform its tasks in accordance with the Charter of Secondary Schools, High Schools, and Multi-level General Education Schools, and shall also undertake the following additional tasks:

1. Coordinating with subject departments to develop and implement plans for developing cooperative activities between the school and high-quality educational and training institutions, scientific research institutions both domestically and internationally to enhance educational quality and management.

2. Coordinating with subject departments to statistically monitor the study and work process of former students.

Chapter III

MANAGEMENT STAFF, TEACHERS, STAFF, AND STUDENTS

Article 11. Principal

In addition to the standards, duties, and rights stipulated in the Charter of Secondary Schools, High Schools, and Multi-level General Education Schools and the occupational title standards for high school teachers, the principal of a specialized school must meet the following standards, duties, and rights:

1. Meeting the criteria set for selecting key education management staff, including proficiency in foreign languages and information technology applications at a high level.

2. Organizing and implementing the tasks of the specialized school as prescribed in Clause 2, Article 2 of this Regulation to achieve the goals of the specialized school.

3. Taking the lead in proposing or organizing the recruitment of teachers and staff according to the management hierarchy; proposing to the competent authority to remove teachers and staff who do not meet the requirements of the specialized school's tasks, inviting guest lecturers, sending teachers for training and further education both domestically and abroad.

4. Directing the development of plans for enhancing professional skills, vocational training, foreign languages, and computer science for management staff, teachers, and staff to meet the goals and tasks of the specialized school.

5. In each academic year, taking the lead in organizing at least one thematic seminar as prescribed in Point k, Clause 2, Article 2 of this Regulation.

Article 12. Deputy Principal

In addition to the criteria, duties, and rights stipulated in the Charter of Secondary Schools, High Schools, and Comprehensive Schools with Multiple Levels and the occupational title standards for high school teachers, the Deputy Principal of specialized schools must meet the following criteria, duties, and rights:

1. Meeting the criteria set for selecting key education management staff, including proficiency in foreign languages and information technology applications at a high level.

2. Be responsible for managing and directing tasks assigned by the Principal in organizing and implementing the school's specialized tasks as prescribed in Clause 2, Article 2 of this Regulation to achieve the goals of the specialized school.

3. Organize at least one (1) specialized seminar each academic year as prescribed in Point k, Clause 2, Article 2 of this Regulation.

Article 13. Teachers

In addition to the criteria, duties, and rights stipulated in the Charter of Secondary Schools, High Schools, and Comprehensive Schools with Multiple Levels and the occupational title standards for high school teachers, teachers in specialized schools must meet the following criteria, duties, and rights:

1. Meet the criteria for selecting core education staff members as prescribed, including proficiency in foreign languages and information technology applications at a high level.

2. Comply with the Principal’s assignments in organizing and implementing the school's specialized tasks as prescribed in Clause 2, Article 2 of this Regulation to achieve the goals of the specialized school.

3. Organize or participate in at least one (1) subject-specific professional activity of the subject group each academic year as prescribed in Clause 7, Article 9 of this Regulation.

Article 14. Staff Members

In addition to the criteria, duties, and rights stipulated in the Charter of Secondary Schools, High Schools, and Comprehensive Schools with Multiple Levels and the occupational title standards for staff members, staff members in specialized schools must meet the following criteria, duties, and rights:

1. Possess professional skills that meet the requirements for achieving the goals and tasks of specialized schools.

2. Comply with the Principal’s assignments in organizing and implementing the school's specialized tasks as prescribed in Clause 2, Article 2 of this Regulation to achieve the goals of the specialized school.

Article 15. Recruitment, Utilization, and Management of School Administrators, Teachers, and Staff Members in Specialized Schools

The recruitment, utilization, and management of school administrators, teachers, and staff members in specialized schools shall be carried out in accordance with the relevant laws.

Provincial People's Committees and higher education institutions managing specialized schools shall issue policies on recruitment, utilization, and management of school administrators, teachers, and staff members in specialized schools based on current legal regulations and specific conditions of their respective localities or units, within their authority or by submitting to competent authorities for issuance. In teacher and staff member recruitment, priority should be given to those with exceptional talent and special aptitude who meet the professional skill requirements and are suitable for the positions of teachers and staff members in specialized schools.

Article 16. Students

In addition to the duties and rights of students stipulated in the Charter of Secondary Schools, High Schools, and Comprehensive Schools with Multiple Levels, students in specialized schools have the following duties and rights:

1. Actively participate in examinations, contests, cultural, social activities, and scientific research as required by the school.

2. In cases where students demonstrate early intellectual development, they may advance to higher grades according to the decision of the school management authority.

3. Be provided with residential facilities when needed; enjoy preferential treatment as prescribed for students in specialized schools.

4. Former students of specialized schools are provided opportunities to participate in school activities.

Chapter IV

ADMISSION AND ORGANIZATION OF EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Article 17. Admissions to the first grade

1. Principles for admissions

a) In accordance with the regulations on middle school and high school admissions issued by the Ministry of Education and Training;

b) Ensuring the selection of students who are intelligent, have good results in training and studying at the middle school level, and possess the ability to study at specialized schools;

c) Ensuring accuracy, objectivity, fairness, transparency, and equality between provincial specialized schools and specialized schools under higher education institutions.

2. Admission plans

a) Provincial specialized schools: annually, the Department of Education and Training shall submit to the People's Committee of the province for approval the admission plan of the specialized school;

b) Specialized schools under higher education institutions: annually, the principal of the specialized school shall submit to the university council managing the specialized school for approval the admission plan of the specialized school;

c) At least sixty (60) days before the date of the entrance examination, the specialized school shall publicly announce its admission plan on the electronic portal of the management agency of the specialized school and on the school's electronic portal.

3. The Department of Education and Training and higher education institutions with specialized schools shall stipulate the procedures for registering for admission, application documents, and admission conditions.

4. Organization of entrance examinations

a) The Department of Education and Training (for provincial specialized schools), higher education institutions (for specialized schools under higher education institutions):

- Specify the subjects, examination formats, and time limits for each subject according to the specialized field; weighting factors for examination scores (if applicable), and admission scores;

- Issue decisions to establish examination question-setting committees, invigilation committees, marking committees, and re-examination committees;

- Approve the list of students admitted to the specialized school.

b) The organization of examination question-setting, invigilation, marking, and re-examination shall be carried out in accordance with the current regulations on high school graduation examinations.

5. Admission results shall be publicly announced on the electronic portal of the management agency of the specialized school and on the school's electronic portal no later than three (3) days from the date of announcing the admission results.

6. By August 30 each year, the specialized school shall report the admission results to the management agency of the specialized school.

Article 18. Transfer of Schools

1. The transfer of students from specialized schools to non-specialized secondary schools shall be implemented in accordance with the regulations on transferring and admitting students at middle schools and secondary schools issued by the Ministry of Education and Training.

2. The transfer of students from specialized schools to other specialized schools shall be implemented in accordance with the regulations on transferring and admitting students at middle schools and secondary schools issued by the Ministry of Education and Training, and shall also include the following requirements:

a) If the specialized school where the student transfers from and the specialized school where the student transfers to organize admissions through a joint examination (same test, same examination period), then the condition for the student to be eligible for transfer is to meet the admission criteria for the specialized school being transferred to.

b) If the specialized school where the student transfers from and the specialized school where the student transfers to do not organize admissions through a joint examination (same test, same examination period) or if they do organize a joint examination but the student does not meet the admission criteria for the specialized school being transferred to, then the student must take the supplementary admission examination and meet the admission requirements specified in Article 19 of this Regulation.

Article 19. Supplementary Admission to Specialized Schools

1. In cases where specialized schools need to supplement students, the principal of the specialized school shall develop a supplementary admission plan for the specialized school, and submit it for approval to the Department of Education and Training (for specialized schools under provincial jurisdiction) or higher education institutions (for specialized schools under higher education institutions).

2. The eligible students for the supplementary admission examination to specialized schools are students from specialized schools requesting to transfer to other specialized schools as stipulated in point b, Clause 2, Article 18 of this Regulation; and students from non-specialized secondary schools who have achieved excellent academic results and excellent conduct ratings in the most recent academic year prior to the supplementary admission examination. 3. The organization of the supplementary admission examination and the announcement of the supplementary admission results shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Clause 4 and Clause 5, Article 17 of this Regulation.

4. At least thirty (30) days before the examination date, the specialized school must publicly announce its supplementary admission plan on the electronic portal of the school management authority and the school's electronic portal. Article 20. Curriculum and Educational Plan

1. Curriculum

a) For specialized subjects: Implement the advanced education curriculum for specialized subjects as prescribed by the Minister of Education and Training;

b) For other subjects: Implement the general secondary education curriculum issued by the Minister of Education and Training;

c) The principal of the specialized school decides on organizing foreign language instruction according to regulations; developing teaching materials based on the advanced education curriculum for specialized subjects as prescribed by the Minister of Education and Training.

2. Educational Plan

a) The educational plan of the specialized school is developed to implement the specialized school’s curriculum as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article;

b) The educational plan of the specialized school must ensure the full implementation of the general educational plan as prescribed and allocate additional time to enhance teaching and improve the quality of specialized subjects, foreign languages, information technology, and to strengthen the development of life skills and social activity skills for students;

c) The specialized school organizes educational activities in accordance with the Charter of Secondary Schools, High Schools, and Multi-level General Education Schools, while strengthening the organization of educational activities in fine arts, music, and sports to promote the comprehensive development of morality, intellect, physical health, and aesthetics for students; enhancing the organization of scientific research, technical creativity, value-of-life education, and life-skills education activities for students; paying special attention to organizing subject clubs and other clubs suitable to the needs of students and the conditions of the school.

Article 21. Identification and Cultivation of Gifted Students

1. Annually, specialized schools organize examinations, contests, forums, and specialized activities within the school or in collaboration with other educational institutions to identify students with outstanding talents in each subject.

2. Students with outstanding talents will be given focused cultivation, monitored for their development, and regularly evaluated to determine appropriate methods of cultivation to maximize the development of their talents.

3. Increase the use of appropriate assessment methods and tools suitable for gifted students to enhance the effectiveness of identifying and developing their abilities.

2. Students with outstanding talents shall be given attention for nurturing, monitoring their development, and conducting regular assessments to determine appropriate methods of nurturing in order to maximize their talents.

3. Enhance the use of suitable evaluation methods and tools for students with talents to improve the effectiveness of identifying and developing their abilities.

Article 22. Evaluation and Accreditation of Educational Quality

Specialized schools shall conduct evaluation and accreditation of educational quality in accordance with the Ministry of Education and Training's regulations on the evaluation and accreditation of educational quality for secondary schools, high schools, and general education schools with multiple levels. The results of the evaluation and accreditation of educational quality of specialized schools must meet the national standard school criteria./.