NON-STATE ACTORS IN EDUCATION
2.2 Non-state education provision
3.1 Regulations by distinct levels of education
- Early childhood care and education (Entry/Establishment ○ Financial operation ○ Quality of teaching and learning ○ Equitable access ○ Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability)
- Primary and secondary education (Entry/Establishment ○ Financial operation ○ Quality of teaching and learning ○ Equitable access ○ Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability)
- Tertiary education (Entry/Establishment ○ Financial operation ○ Quality of teaching and learning ○ Equitable access ○ Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability)
3.3 Supplementary private tutoring
The 2014 Education Act (which governs education from early childhood to secondary level in Vanuatu) distinguishes between “government” and “non-government” schools, the latter of which are established, owned and operated by an “Education Authority” which includes a “statutory body, company or association or body of persons corporate or unincorporated”. The 2014 Qualifications Authority Act (which governs all post-secondary education) only broadly refers to a “provider” as a “person that intends to offer or is offering, post-school education and training in Vanuatu” without distinguishing between types of services or non-state actors specifically. Finally, the 2017 Education Authority and School Registration Policy (which regulates non-state education provision from early childhood to secondary level) distinguishes between “private schools” and “government-funded” schools which are both understood to be non-state and established by “Education Authorities”. A “private school” is specifically defined as an “independently operated and funded” school, while an “Education Authority” is defined as “an organization which establishes and manages schools; this includes the government (Provincial Education Boards), churches and privately funded entities”.
2.1 State education provision
State schools
Most education (58% of schools, 62% of enrolments) at primary (6 years, ages 6 – 11) and secondary (ages 12 – 18) level in Vanuatu is provided by the state (through Provincial Education Boards), which covers over 60% of enrolments at both levels. Due to the island-nature of the country (with many isolated and remote populations), education is not compulsory, while the Ministry of Education and Training provides grants to primary and secondary schools that comply with government regulations based on the 2010 Schools Grants Scheme in order to gradually eliminate school fees in these basic education levels (with limited or no tuition fees charged at primary level). Vanuatu offers a dual education system, with schools registering as English or French schools, which according to the 1980 Constitution of the Republic of Vanuatu are the principle languages of education in the country (with Bislama considered the national language).
Non-state managed, state schools
No information was found.
Non-state funded, state schools
No information was found.
2.2 Non-state education provision
In 2020, non-state education provision in Vanuatu accounted for 36% of enrolments at primary and 47% of enrolments at secondary level. At secondary level in particular, non-state schools, which include government-assisted church schools (39%), private schools (5%), independent church schools (2%), and one community school (1%) accounted for 47% of all schools and 40% of total enrolments in the country.
Independent, non-state schools
Private schools are a few independently established, operated and funded non-state schools which are primarily owned by private individuals or organizations (5%), with a few private schools owned by churches (2%) and one by the community (1%). These schools are funded through student fees and mainly offer secular instruction, with the ability to adopt their own curriculum (provided that it complies with national curriculum standards).
State-funded (government-aided), non-state schools
Most non-state schools in Vanuatu are government-funded (or government assisted) schools, which are owned and operated by church organizations, and account for over 30% of all schools at primary (31%) and secondary (39%) level. These schools receive regular grants from the state which cover teacher salaries and operational costs based on a funding agreement with the government. Schools that are part of the funding scheme are required to follow similar standards and regulations to state schools. All government-funded schools in Vanuatu are required to follow the national curriculum and can only levy fees which have been approved by the government (with schools either not charging any tuition fees or charging tuition fees at a reduced and regulated rate).
Contracted, non-state schools
No information was found.
2.3 Other types of schools
Homeschooling
While no direct reference is made to homeschooling in official laws or documents, the 2014 Education Act states that it is “the duty of the child’s parents to ensure that the child attends a kindergarten and school”. However, as education is not compulsory, there are no legal penalties for a child not enrolling or attending a school.
During the school closures that resulted from the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, Home School Package Supporting Guidelines were developed by the Vanuatu Teachers Education lecturers, Senior Curriculum Education Officers, and Senior Education and Assessment Officers which addressed the “home-school concept which is a new experience for most teachers in Vanuatu”. Learning was mostly provided through e-learning platforms through an adapted curriculum.
Market contracted (Voucher schools)
No information was found.
Unregistered/Unrecognized schools
While unregistered schools are not systematically monitored or included in official statistics, the Principal Education Officer may identify schools that are operating illegally in Vanuatu and make efforts to ensure those “unregistered schools comply with the Education Policy”. In 2017, several schools in the Tafea Province were found to be operating illegally. As a response, the Principal Education Officer urged all unregistered schools to comply with the Education Policy and carried out an assessment of all schools in the province the following month.
Both state and non-state education in Vanuatu from early childhood to higher education level is centrally governed and regulated by the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET). The Vanuatu Qualifications Authority is specifically responsible for the registration, monitoring and regulation of post-secondary education and training (comprised of representatives of the MoET and other government ministries).
The education system from early childhood to secondary level is decentralized through six Provincial Education Offices (each with a Provincial Education Board) which are directly responsible for the administration and monitoring of state and non-state schools within their jurisdiction. There are 9 registered Education Authorities (which establish and manage non-state schools), which each have their own boards.
Vision: According to the 2014 Education Act, the MoET is responsible for “developing cooperative partnerships between the Ministry and Education Authorities, Provincial Education Boards, Provincial Government Councils, Municipal Councils, local communities, aid donors, non-government organizations, the private sector, teachers’ associations and individuals with an interest in education”. Partnerships with Education Authorities are especially encouraged, as stated in the Vanuatu Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan 2020-30 which lists “community engagement” as a key activity, aiming to “review and establish agreements with Education Authorities, NGOs line ministries, external Governments and agencies; and monitor operations of Education Authorities”. This principle is equally reflected in the Vanuatu Education and Training Sector Strategy 2017-18, which claims that the MoET is expected to “work cooperatively with the non-government sector and to encourage and support NGOs, civil society, and other agencies to share some of the responsibilities and costs of education services”.
3.1 Regulations by distinct levels of education
In Vanuatu, early childhood care and education (ECCE or kindys) is provided by day care institutions or playgroups (ages 0 – 3) and kindergartens (ages 3 – 6), which provide holistic and play-based programs to children with the aim to prepare them for entering primary education. Most ECCE services in the country are provided by non-state actors, which include private individuals or organizations (52%), communities (29%), and government-assisted church organizations (6%). The state (which is primarily responsible for the 4 – 5 age group) only accounts for 12% of ECCE centers and 13% of total enrolments at this level. According to the 2018 Early Childhood Care and Education Policy, ECCE is viewed as an “integral part of basic education” (with the commitment of non-state organizations and communities in its provision particularly valued), while all parents have the duty to ensure their children attend an ECCE center. All ECCE services from the ages of 0 – 6 are regulated by the MoET through an established Early Childhood Care and Education Unit which is specifically responsible for ensuring the development and management of these programs.
Registration and approval: All ECCE services (including both day care centres and kindergartens) are required to be registered by the MoET based on a specific application form submitted to the Director General through the local Provincial Education Office and by paying a prescribed fee. Applicants (which can be a “person, school, or religious body”) are required to meet the minimum requirements in staff, play equipment, classrooms, buildings, and health and safety set out in the 2014 Education Act, in addition to the minimum registration and Quality Service Standards set in the 2017 Education Authority and School Registration Policy and the 2018 Early Childhood Care and Education Policy, which include standards on governance, facilities, teacher-child ratio, and building and space requirements (with different standards for playgroups and kindergartens). A “person” can include “any statutory body, company or association or body of persons corporate or unincorporated” that can apply for registration. Non-state kindergartens must be registered as “community”, “church”, or “private” organizations under a registered Education Authority, while playgroups must be registered to operate through a “church, NGO, school, community, family, or private” individual/organization. For more information, see Multi-level regulations.
License: If the minimum standards are met, the application is approved by the Director General and the provider is issued a registration certificate (which remains valid for 5 years). For more information, see Multi-level regulations.
Profit-making: Profit-making is not regulated at the ECCE level, with no information found on prohibition or limitation of profits.
Taxes and subsidies: The government supports non-state kindergartens that are attached to primary schools through the payment of grants to cover teacher salaries and operational costs at the 4 – 5 age group based on a policy initiative in 2017. However, while the government has taken various initiatives to support the sector, the MoET states that it remains “essential to maintain community ownership and support”.
Quality of teaching and learning
Curriculum and education standards: All ECCE services in Vanuatu (state and non-state) are required to follow the play-based Vanuatu National Curriculum for Kindergarten and the Early Learning and Development Standards developed by the National Curriculum and Assessment Board in the language best understood by the child (usually the vernacular). According to the 2018 Early Childhood Care and Education Policy, non-state kindergartens are responsible for confirming with the Provincial ECCE Coordinator and MoET ECCE Unit what curriculum they are using. For more information, see Multi-level regulations.
Teaching profession: All teachers responsible for caring for children in ECCE centres must receive basic training in childcare and protection, in addition to being qualified based on the minimum standards specified by the MoET. Moreover, all teachers are required to sign the ECCE Teachers Code of Ethics, while providers must pay their salaries in accordance with the suggested salary structure set by the MoET.
Fee-setting: ECCE services in Vanuatu charge fees for attendance, with no regulation on fee-setting found.
Admission selection and processes: The admissions process in ECCE centres is not regulated by the government, with only a prescribed child admission/enrolment form provided.
Policies for vulnerable groups: One of the objectives of the 2014 Education Act (which also applies to early childhood education) is to “eliminate educational disadvantages arising from the gender or ethnicity of a child, or a child's geographic, economic, social, cultural or other circumstances”. The 2018 Early Childhood Care and Education Policy aims to “reach the entire population equitable, especially the most disadvantaged young children”. One of the ways the policy plans to ensure equity of opportunity is through alternative provision, which usually refers to the establishment of non-formal ECCE services designed specifically for children who cannot attend a regular ECCE center. These alternative programs are often run by faith-based organizations or parents who have been trained, while playgroups (which may be set up due to overcrowding in certain ECCE centers) may be based in a home, church, or other location. For more information, see Multi-level regulations.
Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability
Reporting requirements: All ECCE services are required to submit annual reports to the Director General of the MoET on the administration and financial management of the day care centre or kindergarten for that year based on a prescribed form and containing any other additional information which may be requested by the MoET. Services are additionally required to conduct financial reporting on a regular basis and keep details of children’s’ records, either of which must be made available for inspection at any reasonable time.
Inspection: ECCE centres in Vanuatu are inspected at least once a year by the ECCE Provincial Coordinator, which may enter and inspect any kindergarten or day care center to determine whether it is operating and maintained in accordance with the minimum standards and regulations (the results of which are then reported to the Director General).
Child assessment: The National Curriculum and Assessment Board (under the MoET) is responsible for determining the procedures for child assessment in all ECCE services and to evaluate the center standards based on the results of these assessments. According to the National Early Childhood Care and Education Framework and the Observation of Young Children in the Early Years Program, teachers assess and document the individual learning process of each child through systematic observation in a culturally and linguistically respectful manner based on a school readiness tool and a tool to help identify children with special educational needs. The results of the assessment are then shared with parents to help them understand their child’s progress.
Sanctions: If any person obstructs a lawful inspection from taking place, they will be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding 500,000 VT (4,613 USD) and/or imprisonment for up to 3 months. If on the other hand a kindergarten or day care center is found to be operating in a detrimental way to student or staff, the manager is deemed as uncapable, or the center fails to comply with any of the requirements in the 2014 Education Act and relevant policies or regulations, the Director General may cancel the institution’s registration. The center will then be ordered to close if the Director General determines that its continuing operation presents an “unacceptable risk to the safety or welfare of staff or students”. Any center which is found to breach any of the regulations is required to remain closed until the breaches are fixed and the service has been re-inspected.
Registration and approval: To establish a non-state school in Vanuatu, the provider (which can be a statutory body, company or association or body of persons corporate or unincorporated) must be registered as an Education Authority under the MoET with the approval of the Director General and pay the prescribed fee. All applicants (whether state or non-state) are required to comply with the minimum standards in teaching staff, curriculum, health and safety, buildings, and classrooms. Non-state schools in particular will only be approved if there is a need to operate a school in the proposed area, the proposed school will be of benefit to the local community, and the provider complies with the minimum standards in resources, facilities, and management, in addition to any standards set in the 2017 Education Authority and School Registration Policy. For more information, see Multi-level regulations.
License: If the application complies with the minimum standards set in the 2014 Education Act 2014 and the 2017 Education Authority and School Registration Policy, the Director General of the MoET approves the application and the provider is issued a registration certificate.
Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH): All state and non-state schools in Vanuatu are required to meet the national standards in toilet and WASH facilities, which include user-to-toilet ratios, toilets separated by sex, and access to clean drinking water on a daily basis. There may also be student WASH Clubs and WASH Committees to help monitor these activities in each school. For more information, see Multi-level regulations.
Profit-making: Non-state schools in Vanuatu may be “financially independent” from the government, with no regulation on profit-making found. Government-aided schools are similarly not directly regulated in terms of profit, but are strictly required to keep detailed financial statements (showing all income and expenditure) in terms of their use of government grants (which is closely regulated by the government).
Taxes and subsidies: Non-state schools in Vanuatu may receive assistance from the state by entering into a funding agreement with the MoET which provides for the direct payment of teacher salaries and operational costs through regular government grants. The grants received must only be used for costs that directly affect the students, such as transport, learning materials, textbooks, and building maintenance as set out in the Grants Code and the 2010 Schools Grants Scheme regulations. The grants received are not intended to cover the total operational costs of the provider, which may receive funding from other sources such as fundraising, donations, or government-approved fees. Schools which receive assistance from the state are categorized as “government-funded” or “assisted” schools and are required to strictly comply with similar standards that apply to state schools and remain accountable to the state on how the grants are spent. In 2020, all state and government-assisted schools primary schools received an additional one-off Vanuatu Australia Community Grant that was issued by the MoET in partnership with the Australian government aimed to “help local communities in challenging times” to be used for activities such as maintenance, WASH facilities, and feeding programs. Finally, in response to COVID-19, TC Harold and the ash fall in Tanna, the MoET issued additional grants to all non-state schools at primary and secondary level.
Quality of teaching and learning
Curriculum and education standards: All state and government-funded schools are required to follow the national curriculum which has been developed by the National Curriculum and Assessment Board (with the exception of approved international curricula). Private schools may follow a different curriculum, provided that it complies with the minimum curriculum standards approved by the National Education Commission, with the ability to offer some courses in non-compulsory religious instruction. All schools (irrespective of ownership) must use either French or English as their language of instruction at primary level and begin teaching students the second language at secondary level. Finally, the MoET is authorized to require any schools to teach one or more specified subjects in the community’s vernacular or Bislama. For more information, see Multi-level regulations.
Textbooks and learning materials: All schools (state and non-state) are required to provide textbooks and learning materials that satisfy the minimum MoET requirements and are adequate for the courses of study offered at the school.
Teaching profession: All schools in Vanuatu (irrespective of ownership) are required to employ teachers with “appropriate qualifications and experience” (Education Act, 2014). In the 2014 Minimum Quality Standards for Primary Schools, every teacher is required to be trained and have obtained a teaching certificate. In the case of government-funded schools, teachers must be registered, licensed, and appointed by the Teaching Service Commission (based on approved and determined qualifications). According to the 2013 Teaching Service Act (which regulates state and government-funded schools), teachers in assisted non-government schools are employed based on the same conditions as teachers in state schools (and subject to the Code of Conduct). Salaries may also be regulated. In all schools, the MoET has the authority to determine the duties and working hours for each position.
Corporal punishment: Corporal punishment is prohibited in all schools (state and non-state) in the 2014 Education Act, which states that any school guidelines adopted for “fair discipline practices” must “not permit corporal punishment of students attending schools”.
Fee-setting: The MoET prescribes the range and type of fees to be levied at all state and government-funded schools in Vanuatu in relation to tuition, textbook provision, boarding, and any other services provided to students (with schools prohibited from charging fees that are above the prescribed range). The range of fees to be levied at each school can be different for state and government-funded schools, as well as schools in different provinces. According to the 2010 Schools Grants Scheme, any school that receives direct funding from the state is expected to reduce the tuition fees charged to parents or guardians at an amount that corresponds to the grant received. In the case of private schools, the 2014 Education Act states the MoET is authorized to prescribe the fees to be charged at these schools upon consultation with the relevant stakeholders. All schools (irrespective of ownership) may waive the tuition fees in whole or in part for a student whose parents or guardians are unable to pay the amount, while regulations simultaneously state that a school principal (following a consultation with the Education Authority) may exclude a student from attendance if the required fees have not been paid.
Admission selection and processes: While there was no specific regulation found on admission selection processes in non-state schools, the 2014 Education Act stipulates that no child (in any school, irrespective of ownership) can be refused admission or treated less favorable in any school on the grounds of gender, religion, nationality, language, disability, or race. Moreover, no child may be discriminated against by or at any school on account of his or her age.
Policies for vulnerable groups: According to the 2018 Vanuatu Barriers to Education Study, the national curriculum was suggested to be more inclusive, in addition to increased gender equity in education activities, without mentioning however whether non-state schools would be included in these initiatives. The 2014 Education Act additionally aims to “eliminate educational disadvantages arising from the gender or ethnicity of a child, or a child's geographic, economic, social, cultural or other circumstances”. For more information, see Multi-level regulations.
Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability
School board: Every state and non-state school is required to establish a School Council to assist the principal in the administration and management of the school. While specific membership of this council is not mentioned (with the MoET allowed to prescribe specific criteria), the government states that (wherever possible), the council must include both male and female members. Moreover, the MoET may additionally require any school to form a School-Based Management Unit (consisting of school improvement officers, zone curriculum advisors, and provincial finance officers appointed by the Public Service Commission and Teaching Service Commission). Finally, the establishment of a School Community Association (which is comprised of parents/guardians, teaching staff, and community members) is voluntary for each school.
Reporting requirements: All schools in Vanuatu (irrespective of ownership) are required to keep accounting records and prepare financial statements that must be submitted to the MoET on an annual basis. According to the 2010 Schools Grants Scheme, government-funded schools are additionally required to submit administrative and financial records in accordance with the School Financial Management Manual, only operate authorized bank accounts, and use the grant money only as permitted in the Grants Code and relevant regulations. Moreover, all government-assisted schools that received the one-off Australia School Community Grant in 2020 were required to report to their Provincial Education Office on its implementation (which is the monitored and audited by the MoET and the Australian government).
School inspection: The Director General of the MoET is required to review the registration of all schools (state and non-state) through appointed inspectors on an annual basis to determine whether the required standards are maintained (Education Act, 2014). Schools are informed when an inspection takes place, and the provider is required to allow the designated Education Authorities access to the facility when requested.
Student assessment: State and government-assisted schools follow a uniform assessment and examination system. Private schools can only administer examinations that have been approved by the National Curriculum and Assessment Board (which determines the procedures, type, and content of assessments). All administered assessments (no matter whether provided by state or non-state institutions) must be “transparent, fair and based on merit”.
Diplomas and degrees: The National Curriculum and Assessment Board is responsible for approving any nationally recognized certificate or educational qualification for students in any school in Vanuatu.
Sanctions: If any provider fails to submit the relevant records to the MoET or any government-funded schools fails to comply with any provision in the Grants Code, they will be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding 500,000 VT (4,609 USD). The Director General of the MoET (following a consultation with the Minister of Education) may cancel a school’s registration if any of the provisions in the 2014 Education Act are not complied with, including insufficient facilities or resources, unsatisfactory management, or careless or irresponsible operation. Schools which have had their registration cancelled by the Director General are either ordered to close, taken over by the government, or transferred in operation to another Education Authority. If any school is found to be operating unregistered, the provider will be guilty upon conviction to a fine not exceeding 1,000,000 VT (9,226 USD). Finally, it should be noted that an Education Authority may voluntarily apply to the Director General to cancel the school’s registration or close the school.
Tertiary education is provided by three state universities, a campus of the University of South Pacific (which is co-owned by 12 Pacific countries), the University of Vanuatu, and the Agence Universitaire De La Francophonie (Agency of Francophone Universities). There are also 31 institutions offering post-secondary education through colleges or vocational education and training institutes, most of which are owned by non-state actors. In 2020, most students (56%) were enrolled in the University of South Pacific campus, with post-secondary education colleges and training institutes accounting for 37% of total post-secondary enrolments.
Registration and approval: All post-secondary education (including higher education and vocational education and training) for both state and non-state institutions is regulated by the Vanuatu Qualifications Authority through the 2014 Qualifications Authority Act. To establish a state or non-state HEI in Vanuatu, a provider (defined as a “person or organisation”) is required to apply for registration with the Vanuatu Qualifications Authority (VQA), accompanied by any required information and the registration fee. Upon receiving the application, the VQA conducts a quality audit to determine whether the regulations and minimum requirements have been complied with (with specific requirements for overseas providers).
License: If the VQA is satisfied that the minimum requirements have been met, the provider is issued a statement of registration (which remains valid for 5 years).
Profit-making: No information was found.
Taxes and subsidies: No information was found.
Quality of teaching and learning
Curriculum and education standards: All HEIs (irrespective of ownership) must apply to the VQA for course accreditation (which must be renewed every few years) and Approval to Deliver the course (Qualifications Authority Act, 2014). Courses provided (which should be guided by the Handbook for the Development of Courses) must meet the accreditation standards and be specifically guided by the Vanuatu Qualifications Framework. The regulations additionally state that is any provider intends to make a change to an accredited course, the VQA must be given a one-month notice.
Teaching profession: No information was found.
Fee-setting: No information was found.
Admission selection and processes: According to the 2018 Gender Equity in Education Policy, the government aims to “foster girls and women’s participation in higher education”, although no specific information was found on how exactly this will be sought.
Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability
Board: While no specific information was found on the management of HEIs, the 2014
Qualifications Authority Act states that the management structure of each institution must be approved by the VQA.
Reporting requirements: According to the 2014 Qualifications Authority Act, all HEIs are required to submit annual reports to the VQA on information specified by the Authority. Besides annual reporting, the VQA is additionally authorized to require any provider to submit any other required information when requested and conduct internal self-reviews to evaluate its outcomes and processes.
Inspection: The VQA (which is responsible for the quality assurance of HEIs) conducts quality audits of all registered HEIs to ensure the provider complies with minimum standards set in the Vanuatu Quality Assurance Framework, registration conditions, and accreditation requirements. During these audits, the VQA may appoint an auditor to enter the premises of any registered HEI “at all reasonable times” (within the operating hours of the institution) in order to conduct an inspection of the premises and relevant documents.
Assessment: All HEIs (state and non-state) in Vanuatu must use both competency-based and achievement-based assessment in accordance with the Assessment Policy developed by the VQA (in order to help ensure outcome consistency and credibility). Moreover, all HEIs must get their student grades approved by the VQA before they are released to the student (with no qualification issued until all grades have been approved).
Diplomas and degrees: Registered HEIs must apply to the VQA for the authority to issue certificates,diplomas or degrees, while they must additionally receive approval to use terms such as “certificate”, “diploma”, “degree”, or “university” (Qualifications Authority Act, 2014).
Sanctions: If the VQA receives a report by appointed auditor that a HEI does not comply with the minimum requirements in respect to its registration and accreditation status, the provider is issued a compliance notice. The accreditation of a course may then be cancelled if the provider fails to respond to the notice and the course no longer meets the standards of accreditation. The VQA may additionally suspend of cancel an institution’s registration if the HEI fails to comply with the regulations, does not have financial capacity to manage the institution, or is engaged in financial or ethical arrangements that would not warrant its registration. Finally, if any HEI is found to be operating unregistered, the provider will be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding 10,000,000 VT (92,212 USD) and/or imprisonment for up to 3 years.
3.2 Multi-level regulations
This section covers regulations from early childhood to upper secondary level, which are regulated by the 2017 Education Authority and School Registration Policy, in addition to one policy that covers all education levels (from early childhood to higher education).
Registration and approval: Any applicants that intend to establish a state or non-state educational institution from early childhood to secondary level are required to first submit a proposal to the relevant Provincial Education Office (which must be approved by the Director General of Education and Training). Non-state institutions in particular are required to pay a registration fee (which is not required for state institutions) (Education Authority and School Registration Policy, 2017). Any organization intending to establish an educational institution must first be registered as an Education Authority (which would then allow the provider to register and establish more than one school under its authority). To be registered as an Education Authority in Vanuatu, a Memorandum of Understanding must be signed by the Director General (MoET) and a representative of the Education Authority which specifies the minimum standards and criteria for a school to operate. All Education Authorities (except Provincial Education Boards which are responsible for state schools) are required to have a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a school.
License: If the Provincial Education Office is satisfied that the minimum requirements are met, the educational institution is initially issued a provisional registration (which remains valid for 12 months). After the 12-month period (during which the provider is required to inform the provincial authorities of its operations), an assessment for full registration is made by the inspector and Provincial Education Officer, which assess the institution’s compliance to required standards and submit a report with recommendations to the School Registration Committee (MoET).
Quality of teaching and learning
Curriculum and education standards: All educational institutions from early childhood to secondary level (irrespective of ownership) are required to actively acknowledge and promote the Vanuatu culture and Christian principles in their curriculum and teaching.
Policies for vulnerable groups: The 2018 Gender Equity in Education Policy, which covers all education levels from early childhood to higher education in Vanuatu, aims to eliminate gender inequalities in all educational institutions by ensuring that institutions provide learning materials that promote gender equity and ensure the full participation of girls and women in education. The implementation of the policy plans to be overseen by recruiting a Gender Officer within the MoET and establishing gender focal points in Provincial Education Offices and schools. However, there is no specific mention of this policy applying to non-state schools.
3.3 Supplementary private tutoring
No information was found.
Financial operation and quality
No information was found.
According to the 2013 Teaching Service Act, all teachers that are part of the Teaching Service (which includes teachers in state schools and government-aided schools) “may not engage in any paid employment or other work or operate any business outside the Teaching Service except with the prior agreement in writing of the Commission”. This is stated to include additional payment from the Education Authority or any other person for work performed at the school or anywhere else that is “part of or related to the employee’s work in the Teaching Service”. There is no specific mention of private tutoring though, although this could be considered “paid external employment” related to the teacher’s position.
