September 8, 2026

Education Ministry reports generally smooth reopening of schools for start of 2026/27 academic year

The Ministry of Education is reporting a generally smooth reopening of schools across the island for the start of the 2026/27 academic year.

The Ministry said that, based on preliminary data received from all seven educational regions covering approximately 1,000 schools, only three schools did not open yesterday.

According to the Ministry, this means that approximately 99.7% of the schools captured in the data were able to open on the first day of the new school year.

The Ministry expressed commendations to principals and educators for what it called a strong start to the new academic year.

The Ministry said it is impressive that all schools in Region 4, which includes Westmoreland, Hanover and St. James, were able to reopen yesterday.

It said this is a testament to the resilience of the island’s institutions and the strong leadership of its schools.

With respect to challenges faced by schools yesterday, the Ministry said late furniture delivery was among the most frequently reported challenges.

The Ministry said while schools and regional teams worked to manage the situation and facilitate students where possible, the Ministry will be addressing the furniture delivery issue to ensure that outstanding items are delivered as quickly as possible and to strengthen the arrangements for future delivery exercises.

The Ministry also reiterated that where infrastructural repairs are continuing while schools are in operation, these works must be undertaken in a manner that safeguards students, teachers, administrative staff and other members of the school community.

Contractors and school administrators are being reminded that work sites must be properly secured and separated from areas being used for teaching and learning.

The Ministry stressed that no construction or repair activity should be permitted to create an unsafe environment or unnecessarily disrupt school operations.

The Ministry said it will continue to monitor schools through its regional teams over the coming days, including the resolution of furniture concerns and other operational issues identified during the reopening exercise.

It said a further update on the reopening of schools for the new academic year will be provided at the upcoming post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, September 9.