St. Vincent removes registration fees for new secondary school students
Key Points(5)
- Vincent and the Grenadines government has announced the removal of registration-related fees for first-form students entering public and government-assisted private secondary schools, a move aimed at reducing the financial burden on families.
- Education and Vocational Training Minister Phillip Jackson said the policy change is part of the government's broader effort to make education more affordable and accessible for Vincentian families.
- According to Jackson, the decision followed extensive discussions within the Ministry of Education and is consistent with the country's Education Act and the government's commitment to expanding access to education.
- “This new policy reflects the ambitions of the Education Act, the more general policy enunciated by Prime Minister (Dr Godwin) Friday on the course of access to education in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the NDP’s commitment to ease the cost of living for Vincentian families,” he said.
- Under the new policy, fees previously charged for registration, processing and admission will no longer be required during the enrollment process for incoming first-form students.
The St. Vincent and the Grenadines government has announced the removal of registration-related fees for first-form students entering public and government-assisted private secondary schools, a move aimed at reducing the financial burden on families.
Education and Vocational Training Minister Phillip Jackson said the policy change is part of the government's broader effort to make education more affordable and accessible for Vincentian families.
According to Jackson, the decision followed extensive discussions within the Ministry of Education and is consistent with the country's Education Act and the government's commitment to expanding access to education.
“This new policy reflects the ambitions of the Education Act, the more general policy enunciated by Prime Minister (Dr Godwin) Friday on the course of access to education in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the NDP’s commitment to ease the cost of living for Vincentian families,” he said.
Under the new policy, fees previously charged for registration, processing and admission will no longer be required during the enrollment process for incoming first-form students.
“However, the main changes include the removal of fees designated as registration, processing, and admission fees, among others,” Jackson said.
The minister noted that while the policy has been established at the ministry level, individual schools will provide updated registration packages outlining the revised procedures.
Jackson acknowledged that some schools had already begun registering new students and that some parents had already paid the fees that are now being eliminated.
As a result, families who made payments will be refunded, with schools expected to provide details on the refund process and timelines.
“We ask you to exercise patience as the new policy comes into effect after some schools have started registration of new students,” Jackson said.
He added that the Ministry of Education is taking full responsibility for the timing of the policy change and any inconvenience it may cause.
“Please be assured that we are acting in the best interests of our students and their families, as our administration and the ministry implements its commitment to ensuring that every child has equitable access to quality and affordable education,” Jackson stated.
The announcement forms part of the government's wider efforts to address cost-of-living concerns while improving educational access and opportunities for students across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
I prefer this response
