Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and former Education Minister Ro Teimumu Kepa are championing the need for a reassessment of the ‘no repeat policy’ in education, following alarming Year Eight exam results that revealed nearly 50% of students did not pass. With only 69% of the 19,350 students enrolled reaching the passing mark—an improvement of just 2% from last year—over 6,000 students may proceed to Year Nine without a solid grasp of fundamental skills.

In a recent interview, Mr. Rabuka criticized the policy, suggesting that schools may be more focused on securing government funding than on enhancing educational outcomes. He raised concerns about schools potentially prioritizing financial resources over students’ academic achievements and emphasized the importance of evaluating the educational system more thoroughly.

Ro Teimumu Kepa concurred, advocating for the option to repeat grades when necessary. She noted that students learn at different paces and highlighted that allowing students the opportunity to repeat a year could provide them with critical time to master the curriculum. “Failing a year doesn’t signify failure in life; instead, it serves as a chance to strengthen a student’s foundation for future achievements,” she stated.

Both leaders are calling for a review of the ‘no repeat policy’ to better equip students for future academic challenges. This initiative reflects a commitment to improving educational standards and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in their learning journey.

It is encouraging to see such dialogue around educational reform—an effort that may ultimately lead to better outcomes for students and a more robust educational framework. By opening doors for potential changes in policy, the emphasis on personalized learning could foster a more supportive environment where every child has the possibility to succeed.