EDUCATION 

New Caledonia has, since 2000, been responsible for the development of teaching programs, the training of teachers and the pedagogical control of primary education. Since January 1, 2012, the territory is also responsible for secondary education (middle and high schools), private education and school health.

The french State, for its part, continues to intervene in the issuance and verification of national qualifications and diplomas, in the management of personnel and the definition of educational programs, with the possibility for the territory to request adaptations of programs in order to take into account the local context.

The vice-rectorate of New Caledonia implements both the powers of the french State and those of the territory, whether they relate to public secondary education, private education or school health.

To support these transfers, the french State pays the territory an "annual compensation allowance". In addition, during a transitional period, the duration of which is not fixed, the State continues to remunerate the personnel who work on behalf of New Caledonia.

Recent Educational changes:

The jurisdiction of the territory in terms of education is gradually expanding and revolves around an ambitious "educational project", voted in 2016. High-schools were notably reformed at the start of 2018. In 2018, the number of students in higher education increased and more training programs were offered. The school infrastructure is improving with le Lycée du Mont-Dore, Lycée Agricole de Pouembout, Collège d'Apogoti, North branch of the Université de Nouvelle-Calédonie (UNC) in Koné, UNC research center… having recently opened.

It is important to note that over the last few years, there has been a rise in bilingual schools due to Caledonia’s geographic position with all neighbor countries being english speaking. There are now 6 bilingual schools on the territory.

IEOM