Exam results call for Revamp in the Education System

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 26 January 2026: Out of the 39 colleges that sat the Samoa Secondary Leaving Certificate (SSLC) last year, 20 had successful results while 19 colleges needed assistance in boosting their results.

Despite the high number of successful passes the result are still labelled as low and not within a good standard of academic level.

This was highlighted by Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt at last week’s press conference and also today when he opened the Teachers Annual Conference 2026.

He said the results speak for itself, especially the high number of students that did not pass.

“The results were a major concern to Cabinet,” he said.

He referred to the changes to the education system years ago where challenges started to appear and some of these challenges include students skipping a level for a higher level, students being uprooted from a young age towards university level.

He said students are being pushed to higher levels of learning, but when they reach university level, their expectations do not reach the higher academic standard within the university level.

He also referred to the longstanding problem of low literacy and numeracy rates again reflected in the school results.

Asked about reinstating Year 13 which was abolished by the HRPP Government, Laauli said it is in the agenda for changes the Government is looking at.

Some of the teachers at todays Teachers Conference held at the Football Hall, Apia Park.

Too many school buildings not enough teachers
One of the longstanding challenges in the education system is the shortage of teachers and with many school buildings within the districts, the problem has escalated.

“There are too many school buildings, the number of students are higher, yet we have the longstanding issue with the shortage of teachers,” he said.

At today’s opening of the Teachers Annual Conference, he reiterated the important role of teachers and the high expectations that the teachers will deliver what they do best.

He encouraged and acknowledged the teacher’s profession and asked them to work together with the Government to deliver the best within the next five years of the FAST Government.

By uniting for a good course, the Prime Minister said the Government can no longer stand alone to develop the country; hence the call on teachers, churches, village councils and everyone to join the Government in building a successful nation and its people.

The Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers and teachers at todays Teachers Conference.

More scholarships for students
He said he has asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Public Service Commission (PSC) to look at the development partners for scholarship opportunities.

“All we need to do is ask,” he said.

He confirmed 20 scholarship offers already from the Government of Israel.

He also confirmed asking the Numeration Tribunal to review the teachers’ salaries.

Colleges with successful 2025 SSLC results
Samoa College, St. Mary, Maluafou College, Church College Pesega, Avele College, Faatuatua College, St. Josephs College, Itu-o-tane College, Church College Vaiola, Tuasivi College, Asau College, Le Amosa, Lefaga College, Robert Louis Stevenson College, Papauta Girls College, Sagaga College, Don Bosco College, Samoa Adventist, Aana 1 College and Amoa College.

Colleges that needed more assistance
Leififi College, Faleata College, Palalaua College, Alofi o Taoa College, Leulumoega College, Wesley College, Vaimauga College, Anoamaa College, Mataaevave College, Falealili College, Lotofaga & Lepa College, Savaii I Sisifo College, Aana 2 College, Nu’uausala College, Safata College, Paul 1V College, Palauli I Sisifo College, Aleipata College and Channel College.