The Ministry of Basic Education has set up a new stakeholder panel to ensure fair school choices for NPSE passers.

The Ministry of Basic Education has introduced a new stakeholder panel to oversee interview processes for government and government-assisted schools, ensuring fair opportunities for all children who pass the National Primary School Examination (NPSE) to choose their preferred schools.

This initiative addresses concerns about bias in admissions and aims to uphold integrity in the system

The ministry is also collaborating with organizations like Save the Children and Orange to improve school infrastructure, reflecting a commitment to enhancing learning environments.

A toll-free hotline (8060) has been introduced to report any irregularities in admissions, reinforcing the ministry’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption.

In addition, the government will cover school fees and provide some textbooks for students in government schools, while parents will be responsible for uniforms.

Private schools must meet specific facility guidelines before establishment to ensure adequate learning spaces.

With the new school year starting on September 9, 2024, the early announcement gives all stakeholders time to prepare for these changes, highlighting the ministry’s efforts to promote fairness and transparency in Sierra Leone’s education system.