The Independent Schools section is situated in the Educational Services Division of the Ministry of Education, and reports directly to the Chief Education Officer and through that position to the Permanent Secretary and Minister of Education.

The Independent Schools committee reports directly to the Minister of Education.

Definition

Independent Schools are any schools at which education is provided for 20 or more students not being a public educational institution. It, therefore, covers from Pre-Primary to Vocational.

Mission

The mission of the section is to effectively register and monitor the operation of Independent Schools as an integral part of the education system, seeking to ensure that students attending these institutions are exposed to quality teaching/learning experiences to enhance their development according to abilities and that adequate preparation are given to these students for the various national and overseas examinations.

Government's Policy Regarding Independent Schools

Government recognises the vital role that independent schools are playing but feels that some amount of control should be made to bear on these institutions. Government’s policy regarding the existence of independent schools is lucidly enunciated in the Education Trust of the 70’s as follows:

“The existence of private educational institutions reflect a demand for educational opportunities in excess of those which the public system cannot now provide. The Government considers that it has a duty to ensure that these institutions are operated for the benefit and welfare of the pupils who attend them. Accordingly, the Government proposes to bring into full operation as early as possible, the section of the Education Act 1965, which empowers the Minister of Education to register and regulate the operation of Private Educational Institutions.”

The stance of Government in initiating regulation of Independent Schools is clear-cut and straight forward. “It is to guarantee that education of equal quality is available to every child” (Prime Minister 12.11.74). Where Independent Schools are concerned it is the policy of the Government to insist on the maintenance of standards of education that are consistent with national requirements.

The promulgation of the Independent Schools Regulations 1973 (27.9.73) and Part 1V of the Education Act 1965, initiated the registration process heralding in an integrated education system under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture.

The Act (1965) and Regulation (1973) give the Minister of Education the power, authority and responsibility to:

• Determine the age at which children may be admitted to an Independent School;
• Evaluate the quality of the educational experiences being offered in Independent Schools and;
• Exercise control over the establishment and termination of such schools.

The third schedule of the Education Act (1965) makes provision for the appointment of an Independent Schools committee by the Minister to hold office for a period not exceeding two (2) years. The Committee consists of three Government representatives one of whom is named chairman; one an attorney; one representative of the Jamaica Teachers' Association, and one representative of the Jamaica Independent Schools Association.

This committee meets once per month to:

• Consider all applications for registration;
• Consider complaints against registered schools;
• Deal with representation made to the Minister in respect of Notice of Compliant served under Section 27 and disqualification arising there from, and
• Make recommendations and give direction to the Registrar (as the case may require).

Accreditation of Programmes

All Independent Schools are required where applicable to use the National Curriculum developed as the base of their programmes. Students in these schools are eligible to sit all national and overseas examinations.

Institutions which have not been accredited by the University Council of Jamaica or is hosting a programme for a tertiary institution should be issuing Diplomas or Degrees.

All institutions are permitted to issue school leaving certificates, however, these should not speak to academic performance.

The Registrar

The Act (1965) and Regulations (1973) speak to the appointment of a Registrar of Independent Schools with direct responsibility to:

• Keep a Register of all Independent Schools;
• Process all applications for registration;
• Serve notice of complaint on schools with the direction of Independent Schools Committee;
• Liaise with Ministries of Finance and Labour, Attorney General’s Office, other Government and non-Government agencies on matters relating to Independent Schools;
• Investigate complaints from students, parents and teachers; and initiate necessary action;
• Advise Principals/Proprietors of “Finally Registered Schools” on Tax Exemptions e.g. property G.C.T. etc.
• Gazette schools which are finally registered, closed or have changed name and location;
• Review proposal for new schools prepare submission for the Director of Public prosecution;
• Monitor advertisement in the printed and electronic media; and
• Monitor deferred schools re improvements required for registration.