My Child Was Refused Entry to School — What Does the Constitution Say
The Constitution guarantees the right to free secondary education. Refusal of admission is unlawful. You can turn to the local education authority, the prosecutor's office, or the court.
Constitutional Right to Education
The Constitution of Kazakhstan establishes that secondary education is compulsory and free. This is not a privilege or a service at the school's discretion — it is the constitutional right of every child.
What is guaranteed:
- Every child has the right to receive secondary education in public educational institutions free of charge.
- Education is compulsory — the state is obliged to ensure access to it for every child.
- Refusal of admission to a state school without a lawful basis constitutes a violation of constitutional rights.
What to Do if Refused
Step 1. Demand a written refusal with stated grounds. A verbal refusal has no legal standing.
Step 2. Contact the Education Department (city or district level). This is the supervisory authority. Complaints can be submitted online via eGov.
Step 3. If the department does not respond — submit a complaint to the prosecutor's office. The prosecutor has the authority to issue a protest and oblige the school to admit the child.
Step 4. Court — a claim to compel the school to admit the child. As a rule, courts side with parents when there are no lawful grounds for refusal.
Key facts
- Secondary education in Kazakhstan is compulsory and free — this is a constitutional norm
- Refusal of admission without lawful grounds is unlawful
- Demand a written refusal: a verbal one has no legal force
- Turn to: education department → prosecutor's office → court
- The court obliges the school to admit the child when refusal is unlawful