House of Deputies approves bill to amend school admission system and moves to Senate

The Chilean Chamber of Deputies has approved a bill that modifies the School Admission System (SAE), marking a key step toward its passage in the Senate. The legislation introduces a mixed model of admission that includes mutual choice and random assignment through a unified platform managed by the Ministry of Education. This change aims to address high demand in schools by allowing institutions with overcapacity to set their own criteria for allocating some vacancies based on educational projects or academic merit. The bill was approved in the Chamber with 111 votes in favor, 28 against, and one abstention. It passed both the Education and Finance committees before reaching the floor. Subsequent votes on specific articles proposed by opposition deputies were all approved. A revision requested by Deputy Emilia Schneider (FA) was rejected. Once finalized, the initiative will move to the Senate for further consideration. If enacted, the new system would take effect in the following school year after the law’s publication, though implementation will be gradual and subject to regulations issued by the Ministry of Education. The reform targets schools where student demand significantly exceeds available spots. Under the new framework, parents could have more influence in selecting schools, particularly in cases of overcrowding. However, critics argue that this shift risks reintroducing discrimination and fails to address systemic underfunding in public education. During the debate, several deputies voiced concerns. Chiara Barchiesi (REP.) emphasized that children's education should not be left to chance, advocating for factors such as institutional connection, educational philosophy, and academic performance starting from seventh grade. Luis Pardo (RN) questioned why nine out of ten students entering second-year high school are assigned randomly, suggesting that academic achievement, along with sports and arts, should play a role in admissions. Stephan Schubert (REP.) criticized the current system for transforming physical queues outside schools into digital ones, arguing that the proposal seeks to restore parental choice in education. Carlos Bianchi (IND.), while supporting the measure, highlighted structural deficiencies in public education and questioned the state’s lack of increased funding. Daniela Serrano (PC), a member of the Education committee, warned that the initiative might allow private entities to determine student selection, potentially leading to arbitrary discrimination. She and others pointed out that the core issue lies in insufficient educational capacity, and changing the admission process alone does not create new slots or ensure equal opportunities. Sergio Bobadilla (UDI), head of the Education committee, defended the reform as a return to parental freedom, stating that the existing system relies on distrust toward schools and their directors. He argued that restoring this autonomy was essential. Minister of Education María Paz Arzola concluded the debate, endorsing the reform as a response to family testimonials highlighting difficulties with the current system. She stated that the goal is to reduce reliance on randomness in admissions, noting that families will still apply via a single platform. However, certain schools can incorporate criteria aligned with their educational missions, such as academic merit or technical-professional specializations. Arzola emphasized that these institutions must obtain prior authorization and that the final rules will be determined by the ministry.