The pioneer batch of Kopen National School of Excellence (KONSOE) made history on Monday, with 85 Grade 12 students sitting for their first-ever National Examination.
This marks a significant milestone for the newest of the country’s seven National Schools of Excellence, as its students joined 38,716 others nationwide in taking the written expression exam.
KONSOE was officially declared the seventh National School of Excellence in 2023 by the late Education Minister, Jimmy Uguro. The school has been in a period of transition, phasing out the former Kopen Secondary School and establishing new positions for the NSOE. The current Grade 12 cohort represents the first group of students to enroll as Grade 11s last year.
The school’s founding Principal, Saju Francis, an expatriate officer from India with 23 years of service in the country, expressed his excitement and pride.
He acknowledged the challenges faced during the establishment phase, but credited the strong support of the Enga provincial government, provincial administration, and the school’s Governing Council.
Mr Francis highlighted the crucial role of Enga Governor Grand Chief Sir Peter Ipatas, commending his “dreams, visions, and whole-hearted support.”
He added that the entire province and school administration are eagerly awaiting the students’ exam results.
This founding Grade 12 batch will graduate later this year. Starting next year, KONSOE will enroll students from all 22 provinces, selecting the top 5% of students nationwide based on merit.
The school currently has a diverse faculty, with teachers from 12 provinces and contract officers from India.
KONSOE has also embraced a focus on STEM education, launching the program with its first batch of 21 Grade 11 students this year. This group will take their inaugural STEM exam next year.
The school’s official commissioning and dedication to the nation took place on 4 July 2025 in a vibrant ceremony attended by Education Minister Lucas Dawa Dekena and Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra.