Schools Cannot Deny Children Entry Over Unpaid Fees, Education Minister Says

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, has reaffirmed that children must be allowed to attend school even when their families cannot afford school fees.

She said government policy prohibits schools from withholding education because of a student's inability to pay. Although some institutions collect fees, the Minister stressed that they are not authorised to prevent any child from entering school on that basis.

Dr. Morris Dixon made the comments while answering a question at the post-Cabinet press briefing held at Jamaica House on Wednesday, July 15.

She advised schools to draw on grants issued by the Ministry to help cover costs associated with students experiencing financial difficulties. These include funding for student welfare as well as other forms of financial assistance provided directly to schools.

The Minister said the Ministry expects that support to be used for children whose families cannot meet the relevant expenses. Schools facing needs beyond the resources already allocated can also approach the Ministry for additional help.

As an example, she referred to schools reporting that 90 per cent of their students were enrolled in the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education, or PATH, and that greater nutritional assistance was required. In such circumstances, she said, the Ministry works with the schools and seeks to provide further support.

Dr. Morris Dixon acknowledged that, while an established grant system is in place, individual schools may encounter circumstances requiring a different response.

She encouraged principals with added concerns to contact their regional education teams. If the matter remains unresolved, they should take it to the Ministry's central office, which she said would provide support.

The Minister said the shared priority must be helping children succeed, with schools and the Ministry working together within the resources available.