GOVERNMENT secondary schools will use a single nationwide enrolment system for Year 9 in 2026, with the Education Ministry declaring that uniform criteria are now in place to ensure fairness and equity.
Minister Aseri Radrodro told Parliament that all 11 government secondary schools were operating under a standard and transparent set of enrolment guidelines.
“A common application form introduced in 2024 is being used for all new intakes and is accessible through ministry offices and the schools themselves,” he said.
Mr Radrodro said the most competitive institutions, including Natabua High School, Labasa College, Queen Victoria School, Ratu Kadavulevu School, Adi Cakobau School and Suva Grammar School, use the Government criteria but may also assess examination results and sporting ability and leadership attributes.
Academic merit remains the primary factor, with students required to “attain a passing mark for Year 8 Annual National Examination” and meet the ministry’s benchmark of 250 marks based on English plus the four best subjects.
He said interviews were compulsory and monitored by the permanent secretary.
Boarding priority goes to students from “maritime and rural, remote primary schools”, while a quota is reserved for socially disadvantaged families, referrals from welfare agencies and landowner children.
Day scholars are selected after rural applicants, with priority for feeder schools, siblings and children of teachers.
Opposition MP Hem Chand questioned whether adherence to the rules would be properly enforced.
He asked how the ministry would ensure enrolment was carried out “fairly, without favouritism”.
Mr Radrodro replied that the system had been “vetted”, unlike “during your time when you were the head” and said it promoted “inclusiveness and equity”.
