The National Government is pushing forward with the structural reform in its education system, called the 1-6-6 model, which aims to ensure that every child receives a full 13 years of education—from prep through to Grade 12.

This reform seeks to eliminate the selection system at the end of Grade 8 and Grade 10, offering all students the opportunity to progress to Grade 12.

Secretary for Education Dr. Uke Kombra explained that the new 1-6-6 model replaces the previous 3-6-4 structure, where students attended three years of elementary school, six years of primary school, and four years of secondary school.

Under the new system, students will attend one year of preparatory education (prep), followed by six years of primary school (Grades 1-6), and six years of secondary school (Grades 7-12).

"The 1-6-6 model ensures that every child enters school at prep and stays through to Grade 12.”

"The government's goal is that the minimum education level for every child in Papua New Guinea will be a Grade 12 certificate."

Dr. Kombra emphasized that the policy aims to provide every child with the chance to complete their schooling and avoid the risks associated with dropping out early.

He highlighted the fairness of the reform, noting that it is unfair and unjust to let children leave school after Grade 8 or Grade 10 at such young ages.

"At the age of 13 or 17, children are not ready to fend for themselves or make informed decisions about their futures.”

"We believe that by Grade 12, students are mature enough to handle independent life and are better prepared for further education or entering the workforce."

Dr. Kombra noted that while some provinces have the capacity to handle the transition from Grade 8 to Grade 9, other provinces may not have the necessary infrastructure or resources to accommodate the increase in students.

As a result, the government is encouraging the development of alternative pathways, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), vocational schools, and the Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) program, to ensure that no child is left behind.

"Six provinces which are Enga, Hela, Western Islands, Jiwaka, Eastern Highlands, and Western Province, are ready to start removing Grade 8 selections and allow students to progress to Grade 9 this year.”

"These provinces have indicated that they have the classroom capacity and resources to accommodate all students.”

“For other provinces, we are working on creating more pathways to ensure that every child can complete their Grade 12 education."

Dr. Kombra also made it clear that the government is not removing national exams, contrary to some misconceptions.

National exams at Grade 8, Grade 10, and Grade 12 will remain in place as essential tools for assessing students' progress and learning.

“What we are removing is the selection system that forces children to drop out of school at an early age.”