Minister of Education Phillip Jackson has announced a major policy shift aimed at easing the financial burden on families by eliminating several registration-related fees for Form 1 students.
The new policy applies to all public schools and government-assisted private secondary schools across the nation. Under this directive, schools are required to remove fees previously designated for registration, processing, and admission, among others.
Jackson stated that the decision follows extensive research and deliberation, aligning with the Education Act and the government’s commitment to lowering the cost of living for Vincentian families. The move is part of a broader mandate to ensure equitable access to quality and affordable education for every child.
For families who have already completed the registration process and paid the previously advertised fees, the Minister assured them that refunds will be issued. Each individual school will be responsible for communicating the specific details and dates regarding when these refunds will be made available.
Because some schools had already begun their registration process, Jackson acknowledged that the timing might cause some initial confusion. “I take full responsibility for this new policy and any inconvenience the timing may have caused,” he stated, while asking the public for patience and cooperation during the transition.
Parents and guardians are advised to:
- Await specific communication from their child’s secondary school regarding revised registration packages.
- Contact their respective schools or the Ministry of Education directly if they have further questions.
