Education

The Ministry of Health and Social Services, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), will conduct the World Health Organization Global School Health Survey (GSHS) among students of the Montserrat Secondary School during the month of October. The Global School Health Survey is an internationally recognised tool used to gather information on the health, behaviours and wellbeing of school-aged children and adolescents. Montserrat last conducted the survey in 2008. Findings from that survey helped to inform improvements in health services, including support for the development of mental health services for young people The 2026 survey will provide an updated picture of the health and wellbeing of today’s students and help the Government of Montserrat better understand how the needs, experiences and challenges facing young people may have changed over time. Acting Director of Primary Health Care, Penny Maloney, encouraged parents and guardians to support the initiative, noting that the survey provides an important opportunity for young people to have their experiences reflected in health planning. She stated; “We really want our parents and young people to understand that their participation matters. The information collected through this survey will help us understand what our young people are experiencing today and where we may need to strengthen our programmes and services. We saw the value of the 2008 survey in helping to inform services for young people, and we hope families will support us again by taking the time to discuss the survey and provide consent for their children to participate.” Students participating in the survey will be asked questions on areas such as nutrition and eating habits, physical activity, mental and emotional wellbeing, bullying and violence, alcohol and tobacco use, sexual and reproductive health, hygiene and other health-related behaviours. The Ministry recognises that some of these topics may be personal or sensitive and encourages parents and guardians to talk with their children about the survey, explain its purpose, and give them an opportunity to ask questions or share any concerns they may have. Participation is voluntary. Parents and guardians will be asked to provide consent before their child participates, and students themselves may choose not to participate or may decline to answer any question they are uncomfortable with. The survey has also been designed to protect students’ privacy and confidentiality. No names, addresses or other identifying information will be collected on the survey questionnaire. Individual responses will not be shared with parents, teachers, other students or members of the public, and findings will be reported only in combined or summary form. Students of the Montserrat Secondary School will be issued with a letter of information and consent form. Parents and guardians are encouraged to review the information provided, talk with their child about the survey, and consider supporting their participation. Consent can be given by returning the completed paper consent form to the Montserrat Secondary School or complete the digital consent form using the QR code or online link providedon the Ministry of Health and Social Services social media platforms to include Facebook. Parents and guardians are encouraged to respond by 5 October 2026 so that eligible students can be included in the survey.

Students at the Montserrat Secondary School are benefiting from a recent donation by a member of the diaspora. On Monday 21st September, the school was presented with two laptops, two electronic notebooks and an Itech Fitness tracker contributed by Mr. Clyde Daly of Boston, in memory of his late brother, Mr. Randolph Riley. Educator and businesswoman, Mrs. Hazel Riley made the presentation on behalf of Mr. Daly. She said both men, formerly of Cork Hill Village, Montserrat, did not have the opportunity to attend the Montserrat Secondary School because of their family’s financial situation, but went on to excel in their chosen fields and to encourage their children and others to value and pursue education. Mrs. Riley encouraged the students assembled to use technology wisely. She also advised the students to enjoy their school days, though things might not always be as they would like them, and wished them all the best in their educational journey. The laptops will be used by students in the Special Educational Needs (SEN) program and will be operated in the classroom. The other items will be given to individual students for their personal use.

Students in Montserrat have an opportunity to gain practical experience in investing through the 4th Annual Regional Schools Investment Competition. The competition, organized by the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE) is open to students from Form 3 through Form 5, as well as first-year Sixth Form and college students. Students will work in teams of four to six and compete against schools from across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. Each team will be given a notional EC$50,000 investment portfolio and will be required to make decisions on buying and selling shares with the aim of increasing the value of their portfolio. Participants will also receive information on companies, including share prices, financial performance and business strategies, while daily market news will require them to assess information that could influence their investment decisions. The competition is designed to give students firsthand experience of securities market activity while developing their knowledge and skills in investing. Students will also be required to keep trade notes explaining the reasons behind their investment decisions and produce a video presentation outlining their strategy. A virtual competition briefing will follow on October 8th, ahead of the investment competition. The top-performing team will be named Regional Champion, with the winning school receiving EC$6,500 and each student receiving an investment prize valued at EC$540. Students and teachers will also receive certificates and other prizes, while additional awards will be presented for video presentations. The competition is expected to include schools from all eight ECCU member countries. More details on the competition can be found on the ECSE’s website.

A new student census has found a sharp decline in how much children on island enjoy school as they move from primary into secondary education. The OECS Student Census gathered responses from 555 students across all three primary school and the secondary school on island. The report found that 95.6 percent of Kindergarten to Grade 2 students say they like school. However, that figure falls to 83.2 percent among students in Grades 3 to 6. Among students entering the Montserrat Secondary School, only 40.7 percent of Forms 1 to 3 students say they enjoy going to school. The figure remains low among Forms 4 and 5 students, at 39.4 percent. The report describes the change between primary and secondary school as a “transition cliff,” with school enjoyment falling by 42.5 percentage points. The decline is accompanied by a drop in students’ perception of teacher support and academic confidence. Only 65.7 percent of Forms 1 to 3 students, and 66 percent of Forms 4 to 5 students say their teachers help them when they struggle. The report also raises concerns about students’ sense of belonging. Just 42.6 percent of Forms 4 and 5 students say they feel they belong and are respected at school. While 59.5 percent of senior secondary boys say they feel respected and that they belong, the figure for girls is just 28.8 percent. The report says this is the largest gender difference identified in the census and recommends an immediate inquiry into the experience of senior secondary girls. The full report can be found on www.gov.ms.

A comprehensive survey of students across schools on Montserrat is providing new insight into how young people experience education on the island. The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) conducted the OECS Student Census, from November 2025 – January 2026, to collect direct evidence from students about their experiences of school and learning. The aim is ensure that education policy decisions across the sub-region are informed by real data and by the lived experience of young people rather than by adult assumption alone. Montserrat’s survey captured the views of 555 students across all four schools, covering areas such as wellbeing, school climate, classroom experiences, technology, family support and extracurricular activities. The report identified several strengths within the island’s education system, including strong family support for education. Between 96 and 98 percent of students across the different age groups said their families tell them that education is important. The census also found high levels of trust in primary school teachers, with more than 90 percent of students in Kindergarten through Grade 6 saying their teacher helps them when they are confused. Students also expressed a strong interest in extracurricular activities, including sports, music and art. However, the report highlights areas where students believe improvements can be made. These include teacher-student communication, access to learning materials, subject choices and streaming, physical conditions at schools, technology in the classroom and opportunities for extracurricular activities. Meantime, Minister for Education, Dr the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge says the findings of the OECS survey can play an integral part in improving the local education system. “Because when you look at the grades of some of the students, I know these students personally, and I know that they’re capable, bright students. So, my question is not what they did wrong. My question is how have we failed to support them? So, it is my hope that all of those things that I mentioned in terms of improving learning outcomes, is these things are going to contribute to a, you know, a better academic experience, you know, or tech work experience for the students, and will lead to the better outcomes that we want to see when we look at grades alone,” Dr. Buffonge explains. The full report can be found on the Government of Montserrat website.

Minister of Education Dr. the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge has assured the nation that schools across Montserrat are prepared for the new academic year. All schools opened on September 7th for the 2026/2027 school year. Addressing concerns about staffing, Dr. Buffonge said the Ministry is working to ensure adequate teacher coverage in all the schools. She acknowledged that some teachers had not yet started, but said there are persons covering positions where permanent teachers are not yet in place. Speaking to ZJB News she explained that “it is all really a work in progress. So obviously, there’s the physical plant of the schools. There’s some work that still needs to be done. Funding has been a problem. And then we’ve got to correlate the wish to do repairs with what is available in terms of support. So that side of it is a work in progress. On the preparation for classes Dr. Buffonge stated that “yes, the schools are prepared. Do we have enough teachers? On the one hand, I could say, yes, we do. So in spaces where there isn’t a teacher permanently in a role, there is somebody covering. I know, just judging from yesterday, I was on the MSS compound, and there were some issues there which the principal is aware of and is on top of. So, a couple of teachers have not started yet.”  She said she was impressed with the keenness of the students, who “were telling me that, look, we need a teacher. We’re not sure about what’s going on here. One of the students, who was a male, was keenly standing outside a classroom wanting to get in to be taught. It wasn’t his classroom. He said, ma’am, I have exams next year. So what are you all going to do? So, I encourage him to continue to have a voice. I’ve contacted the parent. And I love to see that students are standing up for themselves. So, it is a work in progress, obviously.” According to the education minister, to the best of her knowledge, the Ministry of Education “is working hard to make sure there’s adequate cover everywhere. But rest assured, the Ministry of Education is doing everything that it can to fill any gaps that are there.”  Dr. Buffonge said the Ministry is working alongside the Human Resources Management Unit to improve the recruitment processes. However, she identified teacher salaries as one of the challenges affecting recruitment and retention.

For first and second year students at the Montserrat Community College, the new academic year represents another step towards their educational goals. Principal Geraldine Cabey gave this message at the college’s official opening assembly on Monday. Cabey said the start of the academic year is a new beginning for some students and another step in an ongoing journey for others. She encouraged students to approach the new semester with purpose, discipline and determination. “Whatever your starting point, I encourage you to approach this academic year with purpose, discipline, and determination, as well as a willingness to give of your very best. To our first-year students, I extend a particularly warm welcome to you. As I have done in the past, I wish to congratulate you on your decision to pursue your advanced level studies here with us at the Montserrat Community College,” Mrs. Cabey said. She stated that the decision to attend the MCC “should not be taken lightly. We are very mindful that alternative choices were available to you. Why do I say this? One of the greatest advantages of studying at the Montserrat Community College is the personalized attention that our students receive. Our advanced level classes are quite small, and this allows our lecturers to know their students, to monitor their progress, and to intervene when necessary “. Mrs. Cabeyurged new students to make full use of the support available to them, while reminding returning students that their presence reflects a commitment to completing their educational journey.

The Rotaract Club of Montserrat is joining with the Rotaract Club of Sangre Grande on the international service project, Roots to Results. This project is focused on creating greater opportunities for success, by sponsoring the applicants’ journey to attaining their CSEC English or Mathematics qualifications. The opportunity is open to residents of Montserrat and Trinidad and Tobago who have left formal school and missed or did not pass CSEC Maths or English A. Applicants must also be unable to afford private tuition or exam fees. The sponsorship will cover fully-funded preparatory classes, academic mentorship and guidance, study support, and registration and CSEC examination fees. Successful applicants will only receive funding for one subject. Applications close on Friday September 18th. For more details and to apply, persons can visit the Rotaract Club of Montserrat’s social media pages.

As the new academic year begins, St Anthony Lodge No. 4686EC on Montserrat, under the District Grand Lodge of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, has once again affirmed its commitment to charity and community support. On September 3rd, the Lodge presented a cheque for $4,000.00 to the Deputy Director of Social Services, Ms. Sharese Allen, in support of the Back to School Children Assistance Programme. Charity is not an act of publicity but a reflection of the Lodges’ values as a fraternal organization. St. Anthony Lodge is a registered Friendly Society, and a Non-Profit Organization serving Montserrat. Every year, each member of the Lodge dedicate themselves to raising funds for this cause, ensuring that children in need receive the support required to begin their school year with dignity and hope. In presenting the cheque, the Presiding Master, Mr. Kenneth Patrick Silcott, profoundly stated, “this donation is one of the substantial amounts given to this cause, and this is because of personal commitments by members of the Lodge and supporters. There are other initiatives that we support, as charity continues to be one of the foundations of our organization and I will reiterate that we, as members, do so from our hearts and not for publicity. Over the years, when we make this presentation, we would highlight our commitment to do all that we can to promote and encourage support from other interested persons. This has brought some success this year, and a great portion of what we are handing over today came directly from members and supporters overseas within the last few days, and for this we are thankful. Let us continue to do all that we can to support those in need in our community, especially our children.” Receiving the cheque was Deputy Director, Miss Sharese Allen.  In conveying appreciation on behalf of the Department of Social Services, Miss Allen who is acting on behalf of the Director of Social Services said, “she would like to acknowledge the increase in the donation, the continued efforts and commitment of the St Anthony Lodge to provide support for children in need going back to school. She added that the donations will support the educational needs of children, noting that investment in their education is a sustainable investment in their future. She further commented that the Department looks forward to receiving these contributions each year, particularly during the back-to-school period. She noted that the Department has an established process to quickly identify children returning to school who would benefit most from the support. She concluded by expressing profound thanks on behalf of the Director Mrs. Teresena Fergus.” Also witnessing the presentation by Mr. Kenneth Patrick Silcott, were members Peter W.A. White OBE, Kendall W. Lee, Jermaine J. Wade, Edward W. Andrew and Clyde A. Rogers. Constituted in July 1925 under the United Grand Lodge of England, St Anthony Lodge No. 4684EC remain guided by the principle that true charity flows quietly from the heart, living out the values of compassion, fraternity, and service to community. This annual support for children returning to school is to ensure that they begin the school year equipped and encouraged.