Students to Progress Automatically Under New PNG Education Policy
Papua New Guinea’s Department of Education will begin a phased reform to remove student selections between Grades 8 and 9, and Grades 10 and 11, starting with six pilot provinces this year.
Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra confirmed that Enga, Western Highlands, Jiwaka, Hela, Eastern Highlands, and Western provinces will implement the policy first, with automatic progression for all Grade 8 students into Grade 9 by 2026. He said other provinces would follow as preparations advance in the coming years.
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| Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra |
The initiative aims to provide equal access and reduce school dropouts across the country, aligning with the government’s push toward universal basic education. “Every child who begins school in prep must be able to continue through to Grade 12,” Dr. Kombra said.
He added that the reform builds on lessons from provinces with strong transition rates. “Where 80 percent of students already move to Grade 9, this policy ensures that the remaining 20 percent will also progress,” he said.
Alongside the reform, the department is reinforcing FODE and TVET programs to offer second-chance education for those outside mainstream schooling. “Students who can’t enter the normal system can take the FODE or TVET pathway and still reach Grade 12,” he explained.
Dr. Kombra also assured that national exams will continue as a tool to evaluate learning outcomes, while integrity measures will be strengthened to combat cheating and maintain public trust in the system.
He concluded by acknowledging the efforts of teachers and administrators supporting the reform, saying, “This policy ensures no child is left behind. Every student deserves the opportunity to complete twelve years of education.”
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