The majority of schools around Port Vila are planning to improve academic literacy levels this year, focusing on reading and writing skills.

VBTC visited some of these schools and observed that while some schools are continuing with student registration and enrolment this week, others have already started classes.

The Acting Principal of Lycée Louis Antoine de Bougainville, Jeanina Rory, confirmed that literacy was the main issue for Years 9 and 10 in 2025 and that the school plans to improve this in 2026.

“Priority areas for 2026 for the school are to make sure that the success rate of the school is maintained. In 2025 there was good performance in terms of results, and the aim is to maintain this year. The measures the school will take are extra classes to help students whose literacy is low, although we also face challenges in terms of attitude.”

At Central Junior and Secondary School, Principal Mr George Willietien said classes are already underway and the school’s aim for this year is to achieve good results.

“For quite some time we have maintained student achievement and student performance. We must build on what we have achieved so far until the end of this year. Our science lab is still being repaired, but we are getting there.”

Among government schools, classes have continued this week, while some private schools are expected to start next month, in February.

The principal of one private school, Freedom School, Sabrina Rezei, also said literacy remains the main challenge contributing to low grades and that the school is working towards improvement.

“We are planning on putting in reading programs. We try to focus mainly on the small ones and upwards. With this, we are offering a reading readiness program that targets very weak readers, starting from Class 1 and above. This is for a handful of students, and we also have an LLLL program.”

With the new four-term school year structure, many principals and parents have agreed with the change.

“For kids this is an advantage, and for teachers we maintain the number of days and hours covered in one year. There is nothing extra and nothing new.”

The Ministry of Education and Training Services has reminded school administrations and principals that under Education Regulation Order No. 110 of 2023, schools are not allowed to charge extra fees beyond the prescribed fees already in place.