The National Government will introduce double-shift schooling as a short-term measure to ease classroom shortages while new education infrastructure is being built under its major education reform program running from 2026 to 2035.

Prime Minister James Marape said the Education Department has been directed to implement morning and afternoon school shifts, allowing schools to use the same campuses across multiple sessions to immediately accommodate growing student enrolments.

The approach will ensure that no child is turned away due to lack of classroom space.

“This allows us to expand access immediately while permanent classrooms are being constructed."

Under the arrangement, teachers will be deployed across shifts as new classrooms and teachers’ houses are rolled out nationwide, especially in high-growth urban centers and rural communities.

The double-shift system will operate as a temporary solution, alongside major investment in modern classrooms, teacher recruitment and improved learning facilities funded under the Government’s K11 billion education reform framework.