Overview of the General Education System

Education in the British Virgin Islands started out being mostly church based education since it began after emancipation in 1834. As time progressed additional forms of systematic support were provided to enhance education, through reforming constitutional and local frameworks. By the mid-20th century, primary schools as well as secondary schools, teacher training, and vocational programs had all been established which allowed for expanded access to educational services across the territory. The opening of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLS) in 1990 represented another significant development in the provision of local post-secondary educational options to residents of the BVI. Over the past many years, and despite some setbacks caused by hurricanes, the educational system in the British Virgin Islands has become more modern by using ICT, the support for student with disabilities has improve and have established and implemented a significant number of community-based rebuilding efforts.

BVI Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports is primary governmental authority responsible for all aspects of educational matters throughout the territory including; schools, youth programs, sports development, libraries and culture. Along with being the policy authority for education, the Ministry assures that all levels of education meet national priorities as well as international standard. In addition, it manages scholarships for students, teacher training and partnerships with external organizations.

All children in the British Virgin Islands between the ages of 5 and 17 are required by law to attend school therefore, education is free from ages 5-17. Early childhood education programs are typically operated by non-governmental organizations. Children attend primary school for seven years, taking the national literacy and numeracy assessments. Students completing their primary education will automatically proceed to six years of secondary school. Completion of either the Exit Proficiency Examination or Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate is compulsory at the secondary level of schooling, although there are other options available to students such as the Virgin Islands High School Certificate Programme for adults. At the post-secondary level of education, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and UWI Open Campus dominate. Both these educational institutions are under the Higher Education Licensing Board and provide degrees ranging from Associate’s to Masters in several academic fields.