A new school fees and levy guideline is now implemented for the primary schools in the country.

The Education Ministry said the fees will be calculated based on the school roll and location.

Under the new guideline there are four categories of schools.

Category A are schools in very remote areas with a roll between 10 to 49, Category B are small schools in remote rural areas with a roll between 50 to 99, Category C are medium schools in remote, rural and urban areas with a roll between 100 to 149 while Category D are medium and large schools mainly in rural, peri-urban and urban areas with a roll of 150 or more students.

The Ministry said Categories A, B and C are to charge a maximum of $30 per child per term or $90 per child per year.

Schools in Category D can charge a maximum of $35 per child per term or $105 per child per year.

The details on the type and amount of fees levied are at the discretion of the school management but the ceiling in the approved guidelines must be adhered to.

However it must be submitted to the Permanent Secretary for approval.

The approved guideline also include the removal of enrolment or admission fees, therefore no school is to charge any enrolment or admission fees.

Story by: Sofaia Koroitanoa