JALANDHAR: The changing perception about government schools can be seen as 66 students from private schools have moved to Government Senior Secondary Smart School, Hazara, for the 2024-25 academic session. With families seeking quality education without the pressure of high fees, this school has emerged as a strong option. Known for its 100 per cent academic results and merit-list achievers, it was recently awarded the ‘Best School Award’ for 2023-24 by the state education department, along with a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh. When the Tribune team visited the school, it was evident why more students were switching schools. Spread over 5 acres, the school has a spacious playground, seminar halls, modern physics and chemistry laboratories, an English laboratory, a sports room, a career counselling room and an education park. With around 550 students, the school has consistently delivered 100 per cent academic results, with many students securing positions in the merit list and excelling in competitive exams like JEE and NEET without private coaching.
Principal Kuldeep Kaur attributed the school’s success to its dedicated staff of 28 teachers and non-teaching members who not only focus on education but also ensure holistic student development through seminars, workshops and sports and other activities. She said students from far-flung villages are also enrolling after learning about the school’s achievements. “Apart from academic education, we focus on making our students all-rounders. Instead of a farewell party, we organise ‘paath’ for the outgoing students and all teachers contribute from their own pockets to arrange langar on the campus,” she said. She added that the school’s active presence on social media has also played a role in its growing popularity. “Recently, an ‘Instagram reel’ featuring our students’ performance on a Punjabi song at a private college event went viral, garnering 2.2 million views. Besides this, the school also runs its own annual magazine, in which students and teachers document their achievements and creative work,” she said.
Kuldeep Kaur also highlighted the school’s efforts to support talented students from humble backgrounds, with teachers raising funds to provide books, uniforms and stationery for the needy. “Regular parent-teacher meetings help ensure that students get a supportive environment at home. I personally take classes to stay connected with students and motivate them,” she said. With the cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, the school plans to whitewash the campus, install two entrance gates, beautify the campus and upgrade the girls’ toilet, which will further improve the school environment, she said. Apart from Hazara, other government schools awarded the ‘Best School Award’ in 2023-24 include Government Girls High School, Talwan; Government Middle School, Bahmani; and Government Primary School, Khaira Mushtarka; which received Rs 7.5 lakh, Rs 5 lakh and Rs 2.5 lakh respectively and Government Middle School, Lohar Sukha Singh was awarded Rs 7.5 lakh and Rs 5 lakh respectively. DEO Secondary Gurinderjit Kaur appreciated the efforts of the school staff and students and said that Government School Hazara is setting an example for others. She expressed confidence that with the continued support of the education department and administration, more government schools will achieve similar success.
