CHALLENGES IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA: A STUDY OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS

This study aimed to investigate the administrative challenges faced by public and private schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, focusing on resource allocation, teacher training, governance reforms, policy implementation, and socio-cultural barriers. The objective was to identify differences in administrative practices between the two sectors and assess their impact on school management efficiency and performance. Using a quantitative research design and a stratified random sampling approach, 384 participants, including school administrators, teachers, and students, were selected from both school sectors. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire comprising closed-ended and Likert-scale items. SPSS software was employed to analyze the data, including descriptive statistics, normality tests, and inferential statistics such as t-tests and regression analysis. The findings revealed significant differences between public and private schools. Public schools in rural areas faced greater challenges in resource allocation, bureaucratic delays, and socio-cultural barriers such as gender disparities. Private schools encountered more difficulties with financial sustainability and regulatory compliance. Regression analysis indicated that effective governance reforms and teacher training positively impacted administrative efficiency in both sectors. The study concluded that public schools, in particular, require more resources and support, while both sectors benefit from improved governance, policy implementation, and teacher development programs. Recommendations include enhancing policy execution, prioritizing governance reforms, increasing resources for public schools, and addressing socio-cultural barriers.