Govt lays out the details of in-school tutoring scheme: The Education Ministry will launch an in-school tutoring scheme across all governorates at the start of the second semester of the academic year next week, Education Minister Reda Hegazy told reporters on Thursday, according to a ministry statement. The move comes as the ministry looks to crack down on the private tutoring industry, which Hegazy earlier this month described as the “biggest challenge to the education system” in a hearing at the Senate.

How it works: Between three and five schools in each school district will host the optional tutoring for pupils in preparatory and secondary schools. Lessons in public schools will cost between EGP 20-80 per session depending on the type of class, while private school students will be charged EGP 30–100. A 50% discount will be available for children of teachers.and some other groups.

FinMin will tax in-school tutors 20%: The government will collect the revenue and take 20% in tax before paying the remainder back to tutors “at regular intervals,” according to a previous ministry statement.

Private tutors are invited to the party: The majority of tutors will be public school teachers, but non-ministry affiliated tutors could account for up to 40% of those hired for the scheme. Outside tutors will be hired on a temporary basis and will be evaluated by school administrators to determine if they remain in post.

If you can’t beat them, join them: The government is looking for ways to formalize the unregulated and untaxed private tutoring sector, which Hegazy has blamed for low attendance levels in public schools. Last year, the Tax Authority demanded that tutoring center owners start paying taxes, while Hegazy suggested private tutors could be forced to get licensed. He later walked back the proposal amid a backlash from those who said it would only exacerbate the problem of tutoring replacing schooling. The industry is worth some EGP 66 bn a year, reps said during the Senate education hearings in January.