The new Education Minister Hon. Dr. Uhilamoelangi Fasi has announced the reinstatement of the Form 5 Tonga School Certificate (TSC) examination, marking the first time these assessments will be held since 2022.
During the Ministry of Education’s prayer service held last Friday at Tonga High School Stadium to mark the beginning of the new academic year, Dr. Fasi emphasized the importance of extending examinations beyond Forms 6 and 7.
He said, “I don’t believe examinations should be reserved for Forms 6 and 7 only.”
Dr. Fasi expressed concern that the previous focus on senior forms had adversely affected the educational standards for Form 5 students.
He urged school principals to prepare for the TSC exams returning this year, focusing on the need to elevate the quality of education at this level.
The previous government, led by then-Education Minister and Prime Minister Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, had removed the Form 5 exam due to concerns over international minimum educational standards and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 lockdowns.
The Ministry of Education is expected to release further details on the examination schedule and guidelines.