SWABI, April 12: The district education department is planning to review the passing criteria for the 5th and 8th classes after more than 50 per cent students of various schools were not promoted in the annual examination, sources said.

The results were declared on March 31.

When contacted, an official said the department had begun reviewing the performance of teachers, specially of primary schools, and those found negligent would face punishment.

He said the revamping of the education system was on the cards.

The district education officials had prepared the question papers and results and the teachers had conducted the examination.

In the Bamkhel Government Primary School, out of 146 students of 5th class, 83 failed. In the Government Primary School, Katchkul Banda, out of  33 students, 10 passed.

The parents of some failed students demanded transfer of the teachers of the schools that had shown poor results. They said the failure of students in a large number indicated that the teachers had not taken interest in their duty.