Vanuatu has created multiple pieces of legislation around education in the last decade. The 2006 Constitution of Vanuatu mandates that the languages of education are French and English (Parliament of Vanuatu 1989). The Education Act of 2001 is the central piece of education legislation in Vanuatu. This Act stipulates that the Ministry of Education must work with the appropriate school authorities to ensure that education is provided. The objectives of this Act are, to improve both access and quality of education while taking into consideration available resources and emphasizing traditional culture and beliefs. The Act also aims to improve training and employment opportunities for school leavers (UNESCO 2008). Vanuatu National Training Council Act of 1999 created the Vanuatu National Training Council (VNTC) to ensure the integrity of TVET qualifications and the quality of the courses delivered by registered providers.

The Ministry of Education is located in Port Vila and is aided regionally by six Provincial Education Offices (PEO) (Government of Vanuatu 2011). Since the Education Act of 2001, the Ministry of Education works with school authorities to ensure education is provided. Vanuatu’s schools fall into two categories, government and non-government schools. Government schools are under the jurisdiction of Provincial Boards, while non-government schools are under the control of approved Education Authorities. Each school is obliged to work with its own school council and/or committee, which assists each principal in the management and administration of the school.  All schools must use the national curriculum and meet nationwide standards. The level of school funding is not dependent on government association (UNESCO 2008).

The Ministry of Education in Vanuatu is guided by a number of advisory councils, including the Vanuatu National Training Council (VNTC), the National Education Commission and the National Education Advisory Council. The Vanuatu National Training Council (VNTC) accredits TVET courses and supports the government’s TVET Master Plan. The VNTC uses the National Qualifications Framework and the Vanuatu Quality Training Standards to ensure the quality of the courses delivered by registered providers, and the integrity of TVET qualifications. The National Education Commission guarantees the operation of assessments to be used for further education selection purposes and bestows nationally recognized educational qualifications and certifications. The National Education Advisory Council monitors the effectiveness of education policies and practices. Churches and other Education Authorities are registered to manage some schools. Finally, The Department of Education and six Provincial Education Offices and their Boards provide sector-wide monitoring and evaluation, management and leadership (Government of Vanuatu 2006).