Financing for equity in primary and secondary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to schools
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
In the British Virgin Islands, the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports exercises centralised control over the education system, holding full responsibility for administration, governance, and funding. Public schools are fully financed by the government, with the Ministry covering all operational costs and providing grants and subsidies to qualifying schools that comply with national regulations and curriculum standards.
Although the system is highly centralised, the Minister may, where deemed desirable for reasons of economy, efficiency, or community participation, appoint Boards of Management to oversee financial operations at public secondary schools. These Boards are mandated to receive, disburse, and account for funds allocated by the Ministry, but remain accountable to the central authority.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Resources are managed directly between the central level and the school level.
2. Education resources to schools
When established, a Board of Management is entrusted with overseeing the financial operations of a school on behalf of the Ministry of Education. Its responsibilities include receiving, disbursing, and accounting for funds allocated by the Ministry to support the school’s operations. Each Board must submit annual revenue and expenditure estimates for the Minister’s approval, alongside audited financial statements prepared by the Auditor General or an authorised representative for the preceding financial year.
The resources managed by a Board consist not only of funds allocated by the Ministry but also property or money vested in the Board in relation to its functions. In addition, Boards may draw on income from fundraising activities as well as gifts, bequests, donations, trusts, or other contributions. This structure ensures that while schools may mobilise supplementary resources, financial management remains firmly embedded within a framework of ministerial oversight and accountability.
Under the Education Act of 2004, the Chief Education Officer, operating within the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, is responsible for providing and overseeing Special Education programmes for students of compulsory school age who, due to intellectual, communicative, behavioural, physical, or multiple exceptionalities, require specialised support. The Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre serves as the dedicated institution on the island for students with special needs.
3. Education resources to students and families
No information was found.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Public Assistance Programme
The Public Assistance Programme, governed by the Public Assistance Act of 2013, provides support to individuals in need, with priority given to vulnerable children, older adults aged 65 or above, unemployed individuals, and persons with disabilities. Assistance covers essential needs such as food, household supplies, utilities, rent, childcare, medical care, home repairs, transportation, clothing, and funeral expenses.
Financial support is provided for varying durations: short-term (less than three consecutive months), medium-term (three to six months), or long-term (six to twelve months). Where a parent or child has sufficient means, they are expected to support recipients who are in need due to age or disability. While there are no formal conditional requirements to remain in the programme, the administering Committee evaluates each applicant’s or recipient’s health, education, and skills to determine eligibility and continued support.
5. School meal programmes
While no school meals programme has been found in the British Virgin Islands, a Healthy Lifestyles School Intervention Programme was launched in 2015 and is integrated into the core subjects of math, science, language, and physical education, with a primary focus on nutrition and physical activity.
