Parents of students enrolled in government or government-aided schools will now pay levies charged by the school following the passing of the Education Bill 2025 in Parliament.
According to the new Education Act, schools may charge levies for the development or improvement of school infrastructure, maintenance of the school, the purchase of books and other supplies, the purchase of equipment to improve the quality of education and enrich students’ learning experiences, the funding of educational excursions and extracurricular activities, and any other purpose authorised by the Permanent Secretary.
The Permanent Secretary must ensure that the amount of levy charged is reasonable, equitable, and not excessive or burdensome on parents.
On fundraising conducted by schools, this can be carried out for the development or improvement of school infrastructure, maintenance of the school, the funding of educational excursions and extracurricular activities, or any other purpose authorised by the Permanent Secretary.
The Act also highlights that schools must not force, compel, coerce, intimidate, or apply pressure on teachers, students, or parents to participate in or contribute to fundraising activities or events organised by the school.
Under compulsory education provisions, parents whose children are not enrolled in school can be fined up to $500, face imprisonment for up to 2 months, or both.
According to the Education Act 2025, the Permanent Secretary is responsible for ensuring compliance and may issue directives to parents, including legal guardians, if a child is not enrolled or attending school.
Exemptions may be granted by the Minister for valid reasons, and school heads are required to report any non-compliance to the Permanent Secretary.
To address student behaviour, the Act prohibits the use of corporal punishment to discipline students. However, schools must provide counselling services through qualified counsellors.
If a school cannot provide a counsellor, it must ensure students have access to counselling services.
The Permanent Secretary also has the authority to relocate students to another school under certain conditions, such as disciplinary issues, health or safety concerns, teacher to student ratios, school conditions, or other prescribed reasons.
The amended law also includes stronger protections for teachers and students.
A person who insults or harasses a teacher can be fined up to $5,000, imprisoned for up to one year, or both.
A person who assaults a teacher or student commits an offence and can be fined up to $5,000, face imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
The new Education Act will also establish an Education Advisory Council to provide policy advice and ensure stakeholders have a stronger voice in shaping the future of education.
The legislation also creates a National Curriculum and Assessment Authority, which will oversee curriculum development, assessment standards, and educational research to ensure students are learning skills relevant to today’s workforce and future job markets.
For teachers, the Fiji Teachers Registration Authority will have an expanded role in strengthening professional standards, ethics, and continuous professional development.
Students with disabilities and diverse learning needs are also expected to benefit through stronger provisions for special and inclusive education.
The Education Act 2025 is designed to create a more modern, inclusive, accountable, and future-focused education system that better prepares students for further education, employment, and life in a rapidly changing world.
