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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.