Tokelau, a New Zealand territory made up of the atolls Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo, has one of the smallest and most geographically isolated education systems in the Pacific. The population is approximately 2,600, with children aged 0-17 making up 32% of residents.
8 Facts About Education in Tokelau
- The Government of Tokelau’s Department of Education reports that each atoll has one school: Matuala School in Atafu, Matiti School in Nukunonu and Tialeniu School in Fakaofo. Each school serves students from early childhood education through Year 13, with just over 400 students across the whole system.
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Since 2004, school governance has been delegated to the Taupulega, or village councils, while the Department of Education serves as the national adviser. Specifically, it sets standards, monitors achievement and manages the Tokelau Scholarship Scheme. This local model makes education more community-based, but it also requires strong coordination across three remote atolls.
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UNICEF notes that 2023 net enrollment was 82% in primary education, 61% in lower secondary and only 20% in upper secondary. Additionally, they estimated that 36 primary-age children, 82 lower-secondary-age children and 90 upper-secondary-age children were out of school, showing that access becomes harder as students get older.
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In 2021, only 31% of Grade 4 students met minimum reading standards, while 68% met numeracy benchmarks. However, by Grade 6, 85% met reading standards and 83% met numeracy standards. This suggests that students who stay in school can achieve strong progress, especially in the upper primary years.
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The Tokelau Education Strategic Plan 2020-2025 identifies Tokelau language vitality as a “critical issue.” Tokelauan remains critical to identity and early learning, but English is necessary for regional study and employment pathways. Therefore, the plan prioritizes more print and digital resources in Tokelauan.
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Until the late 2000s, many students seeking senior secondary education had to study outside Tokelau. The Government of Tokelau ensured that Year 12 was introduced in all schools in 2008 and Year 13 in 2009, using locally developed transition courses and University of the South Pacific Foundation courses.
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The Department of Education recognizes that unreliable transport and telecommunications continue to challenge school delivery. However, the Strategic Plan says the Pacific Submarine Cable created opportunities for virtual classrooms, digital learning strategy work and trials with New Zealand’s Te Kura Correspondence School.
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In 2022, 42% of adolescents ages 15-19 were not in education, employment or training. The rate was higher for females at 51%, compared with 34% for males. This makes post-school pathways a priority, particularly because Tokelau depends on students returning with skills that support community development.
Tokelau has built a remarkably complete education system for a territory of its size. Its next challenge is not simply access, but outcomes: increasing upper-secondary participation, protecting the Tokelau language and improving digital connectivity.
– Jeff Zhou
Photo: Flickr
