Heads of Schools Warned

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro has issued a stern warning to the heads of schools that have consistently underperformed, particularly those in the ‘Hope’ school category.

This is part of a broader effort by the Ministry to address ongoing challenges in the education system.

In a statement to Parliament on Monday, Mr Radrodro highlighted that those schools will face strict monitoring in the coming years, as the Ministry of Education works to improve Year 8 student results.

“We are closely monitoring heads of schools whose institutions fall under the Hope school category, which have consistently underperformed over the past three years,” Mr Radrodro said.

“A circular has been sent targeting these schools, and it is critical that these leaders are held accountable for improving their performance.”

He did not reveal the number of schools under scrutiny; this follows the worrying results produced by Year 8’s across the nation this year. The Minister also addressed the concerning national pass rates in English and Mathematics, with English achieving a pass rate of 57 per cent over the last three years, while Mathematics remained significantly lower at 41 per cent.

“We are working diligently to improve these areas,” Mr Radrodro said.

He said the Ministry had been reviewing both the teaching content and the structure of the Mathematics paper to better support students.

He assured Parliament that a comprehensive review of the curriculum was underway, with a focus on ensuring it aligns with the demands of the 21st century and fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. “

“We are committed to equipping our students with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. We are examining the number of students who have automatically progressed in the past years. There has been a lack of monitoring in this area, but we are seeing a steady increase in Year 9 enrolment, which can be attributed to the $200 Back to School assistance.”

Mr Radrodro also emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to improving outreach to maritime and remote rural schools, ensuring that students in these areas receive the same opportunities for success as those in urban centers.

“Parents or guardians facing difficulties with enrolment should contact our district offices for assistance.”

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