The government will introduce a semester without tests in middle schools on a trial basis starting next semester.

Reporting its policy plans for this year to President Park Geun-hye on Thursday, the Education Ministry said it will introduce the free semester system at 37 middles schools next semester and expand the system to all schools in 2016.

The ministry plans to exempt middle school students from taking exams for one semester during which they will be able to explore possible career paths through various programs on culture and art.

In addition, the education ministry will provide in phase elementary school children with after-school programs for free starting next year. It also plans to make high school education free for everyone by 2017.