The Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) has officially released the 2025 National Examination and Placement Results for Year 9, Year 11 and Year 12 students, marking measurable gains in access to secondary education alongside persistent learning challenges.
The results were released on January 14 and 16, 2026, following formal endorsement by the Supervising Minister for Education and Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Hon. Jimson Tanangada, in accordance with the Education Act 2023. The Act governs the administration of the country’s Secondary Education Certificate Scheme.
Minister Tanangada congratulated students nationwide and acknowledged the role of parents, teachers and school leaders in supporting learning outcomes. He said the 2025 results reflect steady progress in keeping more students in the education system, particularly at lower secondary levels.
Improved Access, Modest Senior Gains
At Year 9, progression to Year 10 rose sharply to 84.1 percent, a 27 percent increase from 2024. Female students accounted for 53 percent of those who progressed, highlighting improved gender balance in access to senior secondary education.
Year 11 transition rates also increased modestly to 44.7 percent, up 3.4 percent from the previous year. Female participation remained higher, with 3,438 girls sitting the examination compared to 3,234 boys.
At Year 12, access improved marginally, with progression increasing from 17.1 percent in 2024 to 19 percent in 2025. MEHRD acknowledged that senior secondary access remains limited and will require continued investment and coordinated support across government and partners.
National Pass Rates and Subject Trends
National pass rates for the 2025 cohort stood at:
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Year 12: 53.8 percent
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Year 11: 65 percent
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Year 9: 52.9 percent
At Year 12, students performed strongest in Computer Studies (90.3%), followed by Design Technology (78.7%) and Physics (77.1%). National mean scores improved in key subjects including computer studies, physics, biology, agriculture and chemistry.
However, foundational learning gaps remain evident. At Year 9, only 40 percent of students achieved expected proficiency in mathematics and 37 percent in science, prompting renewed calls for targeted interventions. Performance improved notably in Social Studies (74.3%) and English (64.3%).
At Year 11, all subjects recorded national mean scores above 50, but mathematics remains a significant concern, with only 22.1 percent of students meeting expected proficiency levels.
Gender Performance Patterns
Performance varied by gender across levels and subjects.
Male students performed more strongly in mathematics and science at Year 9 and dominated most subjects at Year 12, particularly in sciences and accounting. Female students outperformed males in social sciences and English at Year 9 and achieved stronger overall results at Year 11.
Top aggregate scores were dominated by students from leading national schools. A male student from Chung Wah Secondary School recorded the highest Year 9 score, while King George VI School students topped both Year 11 and Year 12 rankings.
Leading Schools and Placement Pressures
The top-performing secondary schools nationally were led by King George VI School, St Joseph’s Tenaru, Betikama Secondary, Selwyn College, and Su’u Secondary School, among others.
Despite improved access, placement pressures persist.
MEHRD reported that 1,592 Year 9 students were not placed into Year 10, while 3,703 Year 12 graduates will require support to pursue further education or training in 2026.
The government says it remains committed to expanding alternative pathways, including technical and vocational education and training (TVET), community high schools, and other post-school options.
MEHRD said the examination results will assist students, families and schools in planning pathways for the 2026 academic year.
