Schools across Kerala are set to reopen on Monday after the two-month summer break, with more than three lakh children expected to enter Class I as the new academic year begins.

The state-level Praveshanolsavam marking the reopening will be held at the Government Model Girls Higher Secondary School in Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram. Chief Minister V D Satheesan is scheduled to inaugurate the event, which will also be attended by ministers, public representatives and personalities from the education, arts and cultural sectors.

Across the state, schools have planned welcoming programmes for new students. The General Education Department has directed schools and districts to organise interaction sessions to help young children adjust to school life. Students, teachers and parents are also expected to take a cybersecurity pledge on the opening day.

Hundreds of schools await head teachers and principals

The start of the academic year comes with a major administrative challenge, as teacher transfers and promotions have not been completed in many institutions.

Education department figures show that 662 primary schools and 258 high schools are without head teachers. Another 99 higher secondary schools do not have principals ahead of the reopening.

Several administrative positions also remain vacant. These include nine Deputy Director of Education posts and 11 District Education Officer posts. In the Vocational Higher Secondary Education wing, seven of the eight Assistant Director posts are yet to be filled.