St. John’s, Antigua. The Ministry of Education, Science & Technology and the Board of Education have reaffirmed their commitment to improving the country’s educational infrastructure following a joint tour of expansion works underway at the Antigua Grammar School and Clare Hall Secondary School.
Officials reviewed progress on the two projects, which began last year, while highlighting the collaborative effort to address school infrastructure needs. The works form part of the Board of Education’s summer maintenance programme, covering more than 40 schools.
At the Antigua Grammar School, officials toured the ongoing expansion of the Home Economics Department, which will bring the school’s Food & Nutrition facilities, located on the lower floor, together with Home Management and Clothing & Textiles on the upper floor, all under one roof. The development will create a more integrated and functional space for practical instruction in which students develop technical and life skills.
The tour then continued to the Clare Hall Secondary School, where a significant expansion is underway to help ease overcrowding and increase the school’s capacity. This project will provide seven additional classrooms – three on the lower floor and four on the upper – creating space to accommodate approximately 200 additional students.
The expansion works are being financed through the Education Levy, administered by the Board of Education, with the Ministry providing the strategic direction to ensure that infrastructural investments align with the wider priorities of the national education system. Both projects are expected to be completed in time for the 2026–2027 school year.
Minister of Education, Science & Technology, The Hon. Daryll Matthew, said the projects reflect the Government’s policy of investing in educational facilities that are responsive to the present and future needs of students.
“Government’s policy is clear: improving the quality of education must also mean improving the environments in which our students learn and our teachers work. As the demands on our schools evolve, our infrastructure must evolve with them. The work taking place at Antigua Grammar School and Clare Hall Secondary School is part of our broader commitment to expanding capacity, modernising our schools and creating environments that better support teaching and learning,” Minister Matthew said.
Executive Secretary of the Board of Education, Mrs. Carla Farquhar, said the projects demonstrate precisely why responsible stewardship of the Education Levy remains central to the work of the Board.
“The Education Levy represents an investment by the people of Antigua and Barbuda in the development of education. The Board has a responsibility to ensure that those resources are managed prudently and directed towards areas where they can have a meaningful and lasting impact. When contributors see schools being expanded, resources being provided and educational facilities being improved, they are seeing their contributions at work.”
Mrs. Farquhar also underscored the importance of contributors remaining compliant with their Education Levy obligations.
“Every contribution matters. The work that we are able to support across the education system is directly connected to the resources available to the Board. Timely and consistent contributions allow us to plan, respond to priority needs and make sustained investments in our schools. Good stewardship requires accountability on our part, but it also depends on the continued support and compliance of contributors.”
The joint tour forms part of a wider effort by the Ministry and the Board of Education to increase public awareness of investments being made in the education sector.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Ministry and Board of Education Highlight Major School Expansion Projects as Part of Public Awareness Drive.