A National Consultation will take place on January 16, 2025, at Suva Grammar High School Hall, focusing on the government’s consideration to repeal the ‘No Repeat Policy,’ also known as Automatic Progression, which enables students to advance grades regardless of their academic performance. This initiative, led by Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro, aims to gather insights from a variety of stakeholders, including parents, teachers, student representatives, educational bodies, and faith-based organizations.

Minister Radrodro has expressed concerns that the current policy fosters a culture of complacency among students. Alarmingly, nearly half of the 19,350 Year Eight students did not achieve passing scores in their most recent exams, raising critical questions about the policy’s impact on motivation and academic performance. For example, only 69 percent managed to pass, highlighting the urgency for educational reforms.

In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which emphasizes the necessity for inclusive and equitable quality education by 2030, the consultation aims to deliberate both the positive and negative impacts of Automatic Progression. A key objective is to ensure that students reach the required competencies at each academic level before progressing, thereby reinforcing educational standards.

The initiative has garnered support from several educational leaders, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who argue that allowing students to repeat grades when necessary would better prepare them for future academic challenges. This push for personalized education pathways reflects a growing recognition of the diverse learning needs of students, ultimately fostering a more supportive environment for academic success.

This National Consultation offers a vital opportunity for dialogue among stakeholders, striving to devise reforms that enhance educational outcomes and ensure every student in Fiji has access to quality education. There is optimism that these discussions can lead to policy changes that benefit student achievement and engagement, paving the way for a brighter educational future in Fiji.