Dropping out of school still a concern despite compulsory system — HPC ‘Cumulative number of dropouts at primary level reached 43,961 during 2011-2019’ By Maram Kayed - Dec 13,2020 - Last updated at Dec 13,2020 The Kingdom has been able to ‘lay the foundations for a comprehensive, high-quality educational system by offering free, compulsory and inclusive education for all citizens up to the age of 16’, according to the Higher Population Council (Petra file photo) AMMAN — Despite Jordan making “quantum leaps” in the educational sector, as put by Secretary General of the Higher Population Council (HPC) Abla Amawi, school dropout rates are still a problem.