A total of 38,716 Grade 12 students from 238 secondary schools nationwide, including six National Schools of Excellence (NSoEs), will sit for the Written Expression National Examination on Monday, August 4, 2025. Secretary for Education, Dr. Uke Kombra, confirmed that all exam booklets have been delivered to provincial schools and were distributed to students on Monday, July 28. “The Grade 12 Written Expression Exam (WEX) is the first National Examination for Grade 12 students this year,” Dr. Kombra stated. “It holds the same level of importance as the upper secondary certificate exams scheduled for October.” To maintain the integrity and fairness of the examination, the Department of Education has implemented strict security protocols for the handling and distribution of the exam papers. “The exam must reflect each student’s individual effort,” Dr. Kombra said. “We urge all students to do their best and demonstrate what they have learned. Teachers and schools also have a responsibility to uphold the integrity of the examination process.” Marking of the Written Expression Exam will take place in Port Moresby from August 17 to 23. Dr. Kombra also issued a firm warning against malpractice during the exam period. “Any form of cheating will carry serious consequences, including non-certification for students, termination of teachers involved, and suspension of schools for a minimum of three years,” he said. “We have taken strong steps to eliminate cheating. As a result, exam results now reflect genuine student effort and provide a stronger benchmark for education.” In closing, Dr. Kombra extended his best wishes to all Grade 12 students as they prepare to sit for their first national examination of 2025.