Ministry Tells Schools Not to Block Students Over Registration Fees

School administrators across Jamaica have received a firm reminder from the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information that no child may be turned away from learning because their family cannot afford registration or other school charges.

In a bulletin dated June 30, the ministry noted that many households are under financial strain as the new academic year approaches. It called on schools to hold registration expenses as low as possible so that cost does not stand in the way of enrolment.

"Children MUST NOT be denied access, should be given the registration forms at minimal cost, and allowed to pay for incidentals at a later stage," the ministry said.

The notice also made clear that school-run summer programmes are voluntary and must not be treated as a requirement for registering at the secondary level. Where a pupil has already secured a place at a high school through the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) or via the transfer process, parents should not be pressured into sending that child to summer school.

The ministry said it still supports summer offerings for remediation, enrichment and skills building where families can manage the expense. It acknowledged that not every household can cover those costs. Where summer sessions are subsidised or provided at no charge, parents are strongly urged to enrol their children to help them prepare for the coming grade.

Schools were asked to explain the policy plainly to parents and guardians. Administrators were also encouraged to find practical ways to support families in difficulty, such as staged payment arrangements, fee waivers in appropriate cases, working with alumni networks, or tapping other available resources.

"Students are not to be denied access to their education because of an inability to pay," the bulletin stated.

The ministry further reminded principals and other school leaders that they serve within the Government's public education framework and must adhere to official policy and national law. Any school rule that conflicts with ministry guidance or Jamaican legislation — including the Child Care and Protection Act — carries no force, even when a school board has approved it.

"What is illegal in society is illegal in schools," the education ministry said.