Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa confirmed that schools will remain closed until after the General Elections and open from Monday, 1 September.

Schools have been closed for the past three weeks, with the government deeming it necessary to control the dengue outbreak.

“The health and safety of our children remains our highest priority,” said Fiame.

She acknowledged the support of parents and teachers, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Culture, ensuring that learning continues through alternative means through television and radio, including online platforms such as Moodle.

“Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time.”

Fiame pointed out that the Ministry of Health has reported a total of 9,571 dengue cases nationwide that include 1,601 new cases.

“Of these, 218 patients were admitted to hospital, with 50 still receiving care, including one case currently in intensive care.”

Upolu has had the highest number of affected, and standing at 91 per cent, she said, with the highest numbers turning up in the Apia Urban Area (AUA) and North West Upolu (NWU).

Fiame announced that all schools will reopen on Monday, 1 September 2025, following the national elections next week.

There will be no mid-year holidays from 26 September to 14 October, except the White Sunday public holiday, on Monday, 13 October.

There will be no national assessments for Years 4, 6, and 10. Year 8 National Examinations are now scheduled from 3 to 7 November.

 Year 12 Samoa School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) Examinations are rescheduled to 24 November to 5 December.

Primary schools will close on Friday, 5 December 2025. Secondary schools will close on Friday, 12 December 2025.

The Prime Minister also confirmed that the Ministry of Education and Culture will not be taking a break during the Christmas holiday period.

This is to ensure that SSLC results are released on time, she said, for enrolment of successful students at the National University of Samoa in 2026.

 Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Education and Culture, A’eau Chris Hazelman, said the paid fees for the Year 10 national examinations will be refunded as the exams will not go ahead as scheduled.

A’eau also revealed that the Ministry has already printed examination papers for the Years 4, 6 and 10 exams.

As a result, it has been decided to distribute these to schools and to give them the discretion whether they want to use it for their school examinations.