Ministry caps secondary school registration packages at $5,200

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information has directed that the cost of registration packages for secondary-level students should be kept between $1,000 and$5,200.

School administrators are advised to adhere to the directive, which is in keeping with the funding guidelines for public schools.

Under the arrangement, the Government is absorbing the costs for core operations at the secondary level, while parents will continue to make contributions to school development and sports.

The ministry has also advised that:

- There should be no increase in parent contribution for academic year 2018-19.

- All charges for registration packages must first be approved by the ministry.

- A breakdown of what the registration package covers should be clearly outlined to parents/guardians.

- Non-payment of fees cannot affect students' placement or registration at school.

Meanwhile, in an effort to ensure improvement in and standardisation of the registration process, the ministry has developed a template for admission/registration letters.

School administrators at the secondary level are being encouraged to make every effort to see how best the letter template can be incorporated into the registration packages being prepared for new students.

Board chairmen are being asked to provide guidance and ensure that school administrators follow these directives in order to minimise the cost to parents, to as well as ensure that no children is disenfranchised as they seek to prepare for the upcoming school year.

Regional education officers will provide the support required and ensure that there is no deviation from the policy position of the ministry.

Meanwhile, principals and administrators at primary schools are reminded that there is no cost for registration at the primary level.