With the Covid-19 pandemic, schools have not been able to operate as they should. As a result, many students fall behind on their initial study program. In order not to penalize them, amendments have been made to the age criterion. They concern students born between 2000 and 2016.
A circular from the Private Secondary Education Authority (PSEA), dated March 2, was sent to managers of private colleges. Thus, students entering Grade 7 who normally had to be 13 years old are also accepted at the age of 14. Those joining at Grade 12 can now be 19 years old instead of 18 years old. The age limit for staying in college is increased to 21 from 20.
In addition, the age limit for taking the National Certificate of Education (NCE) 2023 has been revised. It is 19 years for Grade 9 and Grade 9+ (“extended program”) repeaters.
The rector of Medco Bhujoharry de La Tour Koenig, Didier Moutou said he welcomed this decision by the Ministry of Education. “I appreciate the Department of Education’s decision to grant our request to not only allow more students to take the NCE examinations, despite their advanced age, but also to consider those for the promotion in Grade 12. The students will be able to continue their studies serenely”.
For him, the happiness would have been at its height, if the request of the persons in charge for Education concerning obtaining the 4 credits to pass in Grade 12 had been accepted.
