West Fergusson high becomes Milne Bay’s newest junior high school

West Fergusson Junior High School has officially opened its doors, becoming the third and most recent junior high school established in Milne Bay Province as part of ongoing educational reforms.

The school welcomed a pioneer intake of 219 Grade 9 students for the 2026 academic year.

In a historic first for the province, the school has enrolled the entire 2024 Grade 8 graduating class from its feeder school, Mapamoiwa Primary. This move aligns with provincial efforts to scale down and eventually abolish Grade 8 examinations, ensuring a seamless transition to secondary education and ensuring no student is left behind.

Provincial Education Advisor Roma Tuidam credited the school’s establishment to the full support of Esa’ala MP Jimmy Maladina and the District Development Authority [DDA]. Tuidam said the DDA’s investment reflects a deep understanding of the long-term impact such institutions have on future generations.

Currently, the school is operating with five teachers under the leadership of pioneer Principal Peter Ubuleia. The campus is utilizing six newly constructed classrooms and three dormitories.

Full construction is slated for completion by mid-year. Once finished, the facility will boast a comprehensive campus including, 28 classrooms and a dedicated science lab, 10 dormitories with the capacity to house up to 800 students, 15 staff houses and an administration building and a multipurpose hall and six ablution blocks.