PSAC 2026: A New Grading System to Assess Student Performance
Title: PSAC 2026: A New Grading System to Assess Student Performance
The Mauritian education system is undergoing a significant transformation. Starting in 2026, candidates for the Primary School Achievement Certificate (PSAC) will be assessed using a new grading scale, which will be implemented for Grade 7 admissions in January 2027. This reform also eliminates the mix of genders in the 12 Academies, replacing them with 21 National Colleges, including four under the SeDEC (Catholic Education Service).
After the Education Conference held last April, discussions continued within the Ministry of Education. Recently, before validating the Blueprint, consultations occurred with an inter-ministerial committee consisting of five ministers. This initiative aims to modernize education and alleviate the pressure on children and their families. The Défi Quotidien has obtained exclusive details on this matter.
The cabinet meeting on November 28 approved public consultations to gather feedback from educational stakeholders and the public regarding the secondary school admission process, ahead of the upcoming Blueprint publication. These consultations are expected to last several weeks.
The feedback will contribute to the Blueprint for transforming the Mauritian educational sector. An official announcement from the Ministry of Education is anticipated to clarify the details of this extensive collaboration. The Minister of Education, Dr. Mahend Gungapersad, has already shared key points of the Blueprint with various educational partners, and he is reopening dialogue before making any decisions affecting children's futures.
Currently, many parents enroll their children in private lessons as early as Grade 4 to enhance their chances of success in the PSAC and later in the National Certificate of Education (NCE). This widespread practice fosters an environment of stress and competition from a young age. Authorities now aim to reverse this trend. The reform seeks to allow students to progress at their own pace, minimize reliance on private lessons, and promote a more balanced learning experience.
Revising the PSAC
The grading system for the PSAC will undergo a radical change. A new nine-level scale will be introduced at the end of 2026 to better reflect student performance and ensure fairer access to Grade 7 starting in January 2027. Traditional grades such as "A" (75 – 100 points) will be replaced by a more detailed grading system.
Admission to regional or private colleges will be based on the five best subjects, with mathematics, English, and French being mandatory. This reform aims to reassure parents by offering a more nuanced view of results and ensuring greater transparency in college allocations.
Examiners have noted flaws in the current system, where several candidates opt not to attempt the English or French writing tests, focusing instead on other subjects, yet still achieve an "A" grade. Authorities now wish to encourage students to develop their writing skills, which are essential for their secondary education.
Subjects Assessed from Grade 6
Another change already in effect is that subjects like Science and History-Geography are now assessed at the end of primary school, specifically in Grade 6, alongside other disciplines. This measure aims to standardize evaluations and better prepare students for the transition to secondary education.
From 12 Academies to 21 National Colleges
Currently, 12 public institutions known as Academies cater to the top students at the NCE level. These include: Dr. Maurice Curé State College, Droopnath Ramphul State College, Forest-Side State Secondary School, G.M.D. Atchia State College, John Kennedy College, Mahatma Gandhi Institute, Queen Elizabeth College, Royal College Curepipe, Royal College Port-Louis, Sookdeo Bissoondoyal State College, Sir Leckraz Teelock State Secondary School, and Sir Abdool Raman Osman State College.
Starting in 2027, their number will increase to 21, including four institutions from the SeDEC. These will now be called National Colleges and will provide more places for outstanding students. Each year, around 2,500 candidates aspire to enter these institutions.
A notable change with this reform is that these colleges, currently co-educational, will no longer be mixed. This decision follows reports of misconduct since their establishment. Educators have also observed a decline in academic standards despite good entrance exam results.
Ending Automatic Promotion in Primary School
From January 2026, automatic promotion to Lower Primary will be abolished. Teachers highlighted during the Education Conference that many students lack the necessary skills to advance to the next grade. Redoubling, which has long been viewed as a punishment, will now be seen as a learning opportunity, with smaller classes and personalized support.
Candidates taking the PSAC for the first time who fail in up to three mandatory subjects will be required to attend a re-evaluation session in December. This measure will provide them with a new chance to meet the minimum requirements for obtaining the PSAC.
Renaming the NCE
Starting in 2029, the National Certificate of Education (NCE) will be renamed the Lower Secondary Achievement Certificate. Its structure and the number of subjects will be revised to help students solidify their foundations before taking the School Certificate (SC) and Higher School Certificate (HSC) exams.
As part of the Foundation Programme in Literacy, Numeracy and Skills (FPLNS), coordinators will be hired to ensure the program meets the specific needs of students. Additionally, a mainstream student in Grade 7 will have the option to switch tracks in Grade 8, providing greater flexibility in their academic journey.
This reform, affecting both primary and secondary education, aims to mark a historic turning point. It seeks to reduce inequalities, better prepare students for international exams, and restore parental confidence in the education system. Authorities aim to build a fairer, more transparent school system that caters to the realities of each child.