The Minister for Education, Honourable Aseri Masivou Radrodro has called on Heads of Schools to strengthen leadership, accountability and resource management to improve student outcomes.
Speaking at the second Government Heads of Schools Meeting for 2026, Hon. Radrodro reinforced the role of Heads as Chief Executive Officers, responsible for the effective management of their schools, staff, students, resources and the implementation of Ministry policies.
He stressed the importance of Heads knowing their schoolsβ student numbers, attendance, academic performance, staffing, finances, infrastructure needs and challenges, while remaining focused on teaching and learning.
The Honourable Minister also reminded Heads that Free Education Grant funds are public resources that must be properly planned, documented, procured, recorded and used for their intended purposes.
Hon. Radrodro adds financial management is therefore not an issue that can be left entirely to someone else. As the CEO, they must understand the financial position of their school and exercise appropriate oversight over the use of public funds.
He further emphasised the need for accurate and updated information on the Fiji Education Management Information System to support sound decisions on staffing, resources and school planning.
He called for stronger school-level follow-up on transport assistance, noting that more than 27,000 students have been identified as using transport services. Some students continue to pay their own transport costs because application forms were not completed the previous year, preventing the Ministry from providing assistance or topping up their Blue Bus Cards.
Heads were urged to ensure students and parents understand the requirements and submit the necessary forms.
Reiterating the national expectation of a 97 percent pass rate in external examinations, the Minister urged schools to provide structured revision and targeted support for Years 12 and 13 students.
He also encouraged Heads to identify students struggling academically or at risk of dropping out and guide them towards suitable pathways, including vocational education.
With 63 vocational schools operating nationwide, Minister Radrodro stressed that vocational education provides valuable opportunities for students to develop practical skills, confidence and employment prospects.
The Minister called for regular monitoring of teacher and student performance, early intervention where learning gaps exist, and appropriate professional support for teachers.
He also urged Heads to begin preparations for 2027 by reviewing projected enrolment, classroom capacity, staffing requirements and resource needs, in collaboration with Divisional Education Offices.
He also stated that whether they are talking about FEG, FEMIS, transport assistance, examination preparation, teacher and student performance, vocational pathways or enrolment for 2027, the expectation is the same.
He encouraged Heads to use the meeting to share practical solutions, strengthen leadership and ensure that Ministry policies and investments translate into meaningful action in classrooms and better outcomes for every child.