Perspectives - 2026: A Pivotal Year for the Education Sector
2026 will be a challenging year for the education sector, with announcements, proposals, and discussions about reforms leading to changes at various levels.
The Mauritian education system is on the brink of a decisive turning point. The Ministry of Education is actively preparing a reform, with proposals made and a Blueprint expected soon.
Indeed, announced at the end of 2025, the proposals outlined did not capture the attention of the Cabinet. Consequently, additional proposals were crafted following a national consultation that ends on January 20. Two proposals are presented to the public, aimed at modernizing schools and alleviating pressure on students. This initiative invites all institutional partners, teachers, and citizens to provide feedback through an online questionnaire.
Options
Option 1: Direct access to national colleges in Grade 7. Students would be directed to a regional college based on their PSAC results. Those struggling would follow the Foundation Programme in Literacy, Numeracy and Skills (FPLNS). Approximately 2,400 students could enter a national college starting from Grade 7. This option includes the abolition of the National Certificate of Education (NCE) in Grade 9 and a new PSAC grading system (from A to F).
Option 2: Retaining the current system with selection in Grade 10. All students would attend a regional college in Grade 7, with access to national colleges in Grade 10 based on NCE results. The current PSAC grading system (grades 1 to 6) would be maintained. Again, around 2,400 students would be admitted to national colleges, while others would continue with the FPLNS. In both scenarios, national colleges could operate in mixed or single-gender modes, except for the Mahatma Gandhi Institute.
Primary Education
Among the announcements is a new grading system for the Primary School Achievement Certificate (PSAC). Proposals include the removal of automatic promotion at the lower primary level. Students facing difficulties will have access to smaller classes and personalized support for remediation. Retention, long seen as a punishment, will now be viewed as a pedagogical opportunity.
Changes to the PSAC evaluation system are anticipated. The Education Minister aims to allow all children to learn at their own pace. Notably, the current grading system for the PSAC will undergo a radical transformation. This reform seeks to provide an accurate reading of results and ensure transparency in college allocations.
A new nine-level scale will be introduced to make access to Grade 7 more equitable. Traditional grades such as "A" (75 - 100 points) will be replaced by a grid. According to the new grid, an "A" will correspond to either Unit 1 (90 - 100 points) or Unit 2 (80 - 90). Admission to colleges will be based on the five best subjects, including mandatory mathematics, English, and French. PSAC exam markers have already identified issues in the current system: several candidates choose not to attempt English or French writing tests, preferring to focus on other subjects, yet still manage to achieve an "A".
The authorities now wish to encourage students to develop their writing skills, essential for their secondary education journey, based on the markers' conclusions.
Secondary Education
At the academy level, the number is expected to increase from 12 to 21, including four institutions from the Diocesan Service of Catholic Education (SeDEC). This institution emphasizes ongoing discussions with the ministry regarding this reform. These colleges will be designated as National Colleges and will accept approximately 2,500 candidates annually. Known for being mixed schools, this will no longer be the case.
This decision follows instances of misconduct among certain students. Another reason is that some students did not adapt well, with those previously performing well at the NCE regressing afterward.
Innovations
Changes are also expected for the School Certificate (SC) and Higher School Certificate (HSC). The schedule for practical exams, traditionally held in September, will now be integrated into the main exam period extending to mid-November. It has been reported that officials aim to minimize disruptions in the academic schedule.
For science subjects at O-level, the "alternative to practical" exam will be replaced with a real practical exam.
Bullying
Authorities do not wish to remain inactive regarding the issue of bullying in schools. In 2025, 10,000 individuals, including teachers, educators, and parents, received training to better detect, prevent, and manage such situations.
Expectations: Reading, Writing, Counting, and Thriving: Primary Priorities
The Government Teachers' Union (GTU), through its president Vishal Baujeet, highlights priority expectations for the primary cycle. He outlines the aims of reinforcing basic skills and promoting overall student development.
The first focus of the project is to strengthen mastery of fundamental skills. The goal is for all students, by the end of primary school, to read fluently, comprehend simple texts, write correctly, and solve basic math problems.
To achieve this aim, the plan includes individualized monitoring from the early years for children in difficulty. This framework will involve enhanced educational support, remedial classes, and increased parental involvement.
Teachers will benefit from structured support through nationally harmonized programs and training in differentiated pedagogy. This approach aims to adapt teaching to the specific needs of each student to reduce inequalities from a young age.
Personal Growth
Beyond academic learning, the strategic plan aims to promote the overall development of the child. Emphasis will be placed on personal growth, the promotion of human values, discipline, creativity, and social skills.
The project also underscores the emotional well-being of students, considering their individual differences. According to Vishal Baujeet, the goal is to train balanced citizens capable of combining academic knowledge with human skills.
UPSEE Advocates for Ambitious Educational Reform
Arvind Bhojun, president of the Union of Private Secondary Education Employees (UPSEE), calls for a revamp of the educational system to ensure a more holistic, inclusive, and contemporary curriculum.
Arvind Bhojun believes it is urgent to establish "a more appropriate and comprehensive program for primary students," where each student's skills would be recognized and valued. This framework should provide clear and specific pathways, allowing all to continue their education into lower secondary without the stigma of failure. He asserts that if the Foundation Programme in Literacy, Numeracy and Skills (FPLNS) is properly structured and resourced, it could represent a viable solution.
No Going Back
He warns against reintroducing competition at the PSAC level, which he sees as "a step backward." Such a measure would be particularly harmful to families facing financial constraints. In an era marked by artificial intelligence, it risks hindering holistic development, social disintegration, and stunting the personal growth of youth.
The FPLNS is deemed interesting but should incorporate a professional and vocational dimension. The UPSEE proposes the creation of specialized centers in each area where students could be welcomed once or twice a week for classes taught by professionals. It insists that "elective subjects cannot be taught solely by academic educators."
The UPSEE also emphasizes the need to maintain nine years of continuous education before subjecting students to a high-stakes examination. It stresses the continuation of mixed education starting from Grade 7 and beyond.
Arvind Bhojun urges the Ministry of Education to reconsider the current conditions under which education is provided, deemed outdated, to maintain learners' interest and focus. He also condemns the lack of discrimination between teachers and non-teaching staff in subsidized public and private secondary institutions.
In the interest of good governance and transparency, and in line with commitments made to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UPSEE calls for employee representatives to be present on councils under the Ministry of Education. The union believes it is high time to establish a Central Employer for employees of subsidized private secondary schools.
Furthermore, to attract the best talents to the education sector, it advocates for increased motivation, innovation, meritocracy, and professionalism.
Teacher-Student Ratio
At the Government Secondary School Teachers' Union (GSSTU), president Yugeshwur Kisto advocates for a realignment of the teacher-student ratio towards smaller classes. The aim is to improve pedagogical quality, enable more individualized feedback, and support inclusive education.
"Evidence from comparable contexts shows improved reading and math skills, as well as increased student engagement when class sizes are reduced."
Yugeshwur Kisto also advocates for better working conditions, which will attract, retain, and empower teachers, thus elevating teaching quality and academic outcomes. "These should include competitive pay, clear career progression, manageable workloads, and robust professional support. Stronger working conditions form the foundation of a resilient and future-ready education system aligned with Mauritius's development priorities."
He adds that a transparent and merit-based salary evolution should be established, with necessary allowances; limit teaching hours and protect time dedicated to planning, grading, and professional collaboration; and establish a structured career path with training. Investing in safe, well-equipped schools and student support services; deploying fair and evidence-based assessments focused on professional development.
Foundation Programme in Literacy, Numeracy and Skills
As part of the Foundation Programme in Literacy, Numeracy and Skills (FPLNS), coordinators will be recruited to ensure the program meets students' needs. Starting in 2026, this program will be offered in only 28 public institutions instead of 52, spread across the country's four educational zones. However, it will remain accessible in 74 private institutions, five Mahatma Gandhi State Secondary Schools, and eight colleges in Rodrigues.
Priorities for 2026 include revising the curriculum, providing suitable resources, and recruiting specialized teachers.
To address social issues, a system of "parental mediators" could be established. Additionally, psychological and medical screening is planned to identify students with special educational needs (SEN).