NON-STATE ACTORS IN EDUCATION
2.2 Non-state education provision
3.1 Regulations by distinct levels of education
- Early childhood care and education (Entry/Establishment ○ Financial operation ○ Quality of teaching and learning ○ Equitable access ○ Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability)
- Primary and secondary education (Entry/Establishment ○ Financial operation ○ Quality of teaching and learning ○ Equitable access ○ Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability)
- Tertiary education (Entry/Establishment ○ Financial operation ○ Quality of teaching and learning ○ Equitable access ○ Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability)
3.3 Supplementary private tutoring
The 2012 Education Act, which governs all education levels from early childhood to tertiary level in Anguilla, distinguishes between “public”, “private”, “denominational”, and “assisted” educational institutions, with broad references to a variety of non-state actors. A “private educational institution” is defined as an “educational institution other than a public school or an assisted private school that is…owned, financed and managed by an individual, a trust, a religious body or any incorporated or incorporated body”, while an “assisted private school” is defined as an “educational institution whose property is owned by a non-governmental proprietor and which has agreed to receive public funds”. Finally, a “denominational school” is defined as an “educational institution established, managed and maintained by a religious community at its own expense”. “Private proprietors” in education are understood as a broad range of non-state actors, including a “denominational body, a trust, an individual and any incorporated or unincorporated body”.
According to the draft development plan 2015-2020 “the school system is recognised to be comprised of public schools, private educational institutions and assisted private schools. The Minister is required to provide such number of public schools as is necessary to secure a place for all students in the compulsory school age group – from five to sixteen years of age.”
2.1 State education provision
State schools
In Anguilla, most education at primary level (7 years, ages 5 – 11) is provided by the state, which covered 91% of total enrolments in 2015. The island has 8 primary schools (4 of which are owned and managed by the state), and only one state-owned secondary school (covering ages 12 – 17). According to the 2012 Education Act, the state is obliged to provide free and compulsory education to all children and young people aged 5 – 17. Education is tuition-free in all state schools, with parents or guardians covering additional expenses in books, uniforms and lunch. The government is committed towards a system of participatory governance in education, with state schools being administered by Boards of Management (for primary) and a Governing Board (for secondary) with members including parents, teaching staff, and representatives of business organizations, religious denominations, and communities.
Non-state managed, state schools
While these schools do not exist in Anguilla (based on the latest government statistics available online in 2015), the law allows for the establishment of a distinct category of state-owned schools, which are owned by the state and managed by private proprietors such as individuals, religious communities, or incorporated or unincorporated bodies. According to the 2012 Education Act, these schools may additionally be jointly owned by the state and private proprietors, or jointly managed by both parties.
Non-state funded, state schools
No information was found.
2.2 Non-state education provision
While the 2012 Education Act specifically refers to and defines 3 different categories of non-state schools (private, assisted private, and denominational), only 2 non-state primary schools were established and operating in Anguilla in 2015, both of which are categorized as “private” in official statistics.
Independent, non-state schools
According to the Department of Education End of Year Report 2015, there are 2 private primary schools operating in Anguilla, one Christian school (owned by a Christian denominational body) and one international school (owned by private proprietors). There are no private secondary schools. Both primary schools are independently owned, managed, and financed, charging student fees for attendance. While private schools are not obliged to follow the national curriculum, both schools offer a mixed curriculum, which includes a mixture of national curriculum subjects and specialized courses (faith-based for the Christian school and International Baccalaureate for the international school).
State-funded (government-aided), non-state schools
While the 2012 Education Act provides a detailed description of assisted private schools, no information was found on whether either of the 2 private schools described above are assisted by the state. Assisted private schools are defined as private schools which are owned by “non-governmental proprietors” (including a denominational body, a trust, an individual or any incorporated or unincorporated body) and receive grants from the state to cover costs in maintenance, building extensions, staff salaries, and school furniture and equipment. Similar to the assisted private schools described above, the law allows for the management or ownership of these schools to be jointly shared between the Minister of Education and the non-state actors. By agreeing to receive regular grants from the state, assisted private schools are subject to the same education standards that apply to state schools, which includes following the national curriculum and textbooks, sitting for national examinations, and having their fees, admissions, and management regulated by the government.
Contracted, non-state schools
No information was found.
2.3 Other types of schools
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is legal in Anguilla, with parents or guardians given the option to apply to the Chief Education Officer for the permission to register their child for a home education program. According to the 2012 Education Act, all home-schooled children must follow an education program that is based on the national curriculum and approved by the Chief Education Officer (which may withdraw the permission at any time if the program no longer fulfils the minimum requirements).
During the mandatory school closures to avoid the spread of COVID-19 in March 2020, the Education Department advised teachers to use electronic devices (where available) for learning continuity.
Market contracted (Voucher schools)
No information was found.
Unregistered/Unrecognized schools
No information was found.
Anguilla is one of the 14 British Overseas Territories. The education system (including state and non-state provision) is centrally governed and regulated at all levels by the Ministry of Social Development, Education and Library. At the early childhood care and education level, non-state services are governed by both the Department of Social Development (covering the 0 – 3 age group) and the Education Department (through the Coordinator of Early Childhood Education, covering the 3 – 4 age group). Primary and secondary education are both governed by the Education Department, while higher education is additionally administrated by the Higher Education Licensing Board.
According to the 2012 Education Act, a parent may “choose for his or her child a home education program…or any other educational program provided by an assisted private school, a private educational institution or a public school”. The 1982 Anguilla Constitution Order additionally entitles “every religious community…at its own expense, to establish and maintain places of education and to manage any place of education which it wholly maintains”.
Vision: According to the Education Development Plan 2015-20, the government of Anguilla is committed to “supporting private preschool, primary and secondary education that conform to criteria and regulations established by the Government” and “promoting participatory governance of education”.
3.1 Regulations by distinct levels of education
In Anguilla, early childhood care and education (ECCE) broadly covers the ages 0 – 4 and mainly includes day care centers (ages 0 – 3) administered by the Department of Social Development and preschools (ages 3 – 4) administered by the Education Department. All ECCE services are delivered by non-state actors, with the majority of centers being owned and run by local churches. In 2015, there were 22 day care centers and 11 preschools, the latter of which covered over 80% of all ECCE enrolments. Whereas day care centers and preschools are governed by different departments, both services are subject to the same establishment, registration, and appraisal processes set in the 2012 Education Act.
Registration and approval: According to the 2012 Education Act, private educational institutions registered under the Minister of Education may provide ECCE services to children aged 3 – 4 if they comply with the minimum education standards, including the required pupil-teacher ratio.
Licence: See Multi-level regulations.
Profit-making: See Multi-level regulations.
Taxes and subsidies: The government provides financial support to preschools through an annual per-child stipend of 650 XCD (240 USD) and monthly teacher salary subsidy of 450 XCD (166 USD).
Quality of teaching and learning
Curriculum and education standards: All preschools in Anguilla must follow the national ECCE curriculum which is consistent with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Learning Outcomes and updated based on regional innovations. The curriculum aims to develop the children’s understanding, knowledge and skills in 7 learning areas and adequately prepare them for entry into formal schooling at age 5.
Teaching profession: See Multi-level regulations.
Fee-setting: According to the 2012 Education Act, non-state ECCE services are free to determine the fees to be charged to parents or guardians in respect of the program offered, while the Department of Social Development offers fee assistance to children under the age of 3, as stated in the National Social Protection Policy 2018. The Education Department does not regulate fees, and according to the Education Development Plan 2015 – 2020, the Department may set a minimum fee to be charged in licensed centers (with providers allowed to charge more than this minimum fee).
Admission selection and processes: See Multi-level regulations.
Policies for vulnerable groups According to the 2018 National Social Protection Policy, the Department of Social Development offers financial support to households which are unable to meet the costs of education through the Public Assistance Program (extended from primary level to include preschool services). The support offered covers costs in fees, uniforms, transport, and additional services based on needs (such as speech therapy). The Education Department offers support through the provision of a school feeding program in preschools.
Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability
Reporting requirements: See Multi-level regulations.
Inspection: See Multi-level regulations.
Child assessment: No information was found.
Sanctions: See Multi-level regulations.
Registration and approval: See Multi-level regulations.
Licence: See Multi-level regulations.
Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH): See Multi-level regulations.
Profit-making: See Multi-level regulations.
Taxes and subsidies: See Multi-level regulations.
Quality of teaching and learning
Curriculum and education standards: See Multi-level regulations.
Textbooks and learning materials: See Multi-level regulations.
Teaching profession: See Multi-level regulations.
Corporal punishment: See Multi-level regulations.
Other safety measures and COVID-19: See Multi-level regulations.
Fee-setting: See Multi-level regulations.
Admission selection and processes: See Multi-level regulations.
Policies for vulnerable groups: The Public Assistance Program administered by the Department of Social Development supports children from disadvantaged backgrounds access primary education (with some support also available for access to secondary schools). Eligible families are supported with the payment of school fees, uniforms, and school transport access.
Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability
School board: While there is no regulation on the governance structure of private schools, assisted private schools at primary and secondary level must be governed by a Board of Management prescribed by the Minister of Education. Boards of Management are comprised of 9 or 12 members (depending on the education level) and include representatives of the academic staff (1), local community (1), parents (1), members appointed by the proprietor or denominational body (4), and in the case of secondary schools, a representative of the student council (1) and alumni body (1). In certain cases, one Board of Management may be appointed to administer more than one assisted private school (in which case the membership number may be exceeded).
Reporting requirements: Every primary and secondary school that provides education to students of compulsory school age (irrespective of ownership) is required by law to submit records of student attendance to the Chief Education Officer.
Student assessment: Students at primary and secondary level in Anguilla sit for local tests (local Test of Standards), regional examinations, and (in some cases) international examinations. The Education Officer Examinations is responsible for approving and administering all examinations and assessments in Anguilla, while the Caribbean Examination Council administers regional examinations, such as the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examination.
Diplomas and degrees: The Minister of Education is responsible for the provision of certificates and diplomas of students in state and assisted private schools.
School inspection: See Multi-level regulations.
Sanctions: See Multi-level regulations.
In Anguilla, tertiary education is provided by two institutions, an Open Campus of the University of West Indies (a state university headquartered in Jamaica which serves English-speaking countries and territories in the Caribbean) and one private, for-profit medical school branch. Technical and vocational education and training is offered by the Anguilla Community College (established as a statutory entity) and one campus of a state secondary school, with no enrolment data available.
Registration and approval: While Anguilla does not have its own higher education institutions, the law allows for the establishment of private (non-state) higher educational institutions through the 2014 Higher Education Licensing Act (amended in 2016) and the 2014 Higher Education Licensing Regulations under the administration of the Anguilla Higher Education Licensing Board (HELB). The establishment of independent tertiary education institutions (including colleges and technical education institutes) is regulated by the 2012 Education Act.
To establish a non-state higher education institution in Anguilla, an application must be submitted to the HELB (along with the required registration fee) which includes a program proposal, mission statement, list of programs and courses, information on fees, location of facilities, and a financing and management proposal (with information on the charter of the institution and governing body). Applicants can either be body corporates or incorporated bodies. The application is then reviewed by a Review Committee appointed by the HELB, which after consideration by the HELB, is finally submitted to the Minister of education for approval. To be considered for a licence, all programs are required to be accredited by a recognized and approved accreditation body such as the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (for medical programs).
Licence: If the application meets all the minimum requirements and the application has been approved by the Minister of Education, the HELB issues the applicant a licence, which remains valid for 5 years.
Profit-making: See Multi-level regulations.
Taxes and subsidies: See Multi-level regulations.
Quality of teaching and learning
Curriculum and education standards: According to the 2014 Higher Education Licensing Act, all accredited higher education institutions must offer an education standard that is consistent with the standards for accreditation. In the case of independent tertiary education institutions, the 2012 Education Act states that the Minister of Education may regulate the curriculum to be offered.
Teaching profession: The Minister of Education is authorized to regulate the appointment of teaching staff in independent tertiary education institutions (which includes terms and conditions of employment).
Fee-setting: The 2012 Education Act allows for the Minister of Education to regulate the payment of fees in independent tertiary education institutions.
Admission selection and processes: According to the 2012 Education Act, the Minister of Education may regulate the criteria for student admission to independent tertiary education institutions.
Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability
Board: The management structure of independent tertiary education institutions may be regulated by the Minister of Education, including the requirement to establish a Board of Governors with specific membership.
Reporting requirements: All higher education institutions that have been licensed by the HELB are required to develop international quality assurance processes (that must be approved by the HELB upon registration). However, regulations do not specify exactly what these processes should entail or whether specific reports must be submitted to the HELB.
Inspection: According to the 2014 Higher Education Licensing Regulations, the HELB is authorized to carry out annual surveillance visits to any licensed higher education institution in Anguilla to determine whether regulations are being complied with.
Assessment: Higher education institutions in Anguilla are free to set their own examinations, provided that they have been approved by the HELB.
Diplomas and degrees: Higher education institutions that have been licensed and accredited are authorized to grant awards, certificates, diplomas, degrees, and/or any other qualification which they have been accredited for.
Sanctions: If any higher education institution is found to have breached any of the conditions of the 2014 Higher Education Licensing Act or 2014 Higher Education Licensing Regulations, the HELB may suspend or revoke the institution’s licence.
3.2 Multi-level regulations
The 2012 Education Act regulates all education levels from early childhood to tertiary education in Anguilla, including state, assisted private, and private educational establishments.
Registration and approval: According to the 2012 Education Act, all private educational institutions in Anguilla are required to be registered and licensed by the Minister of Education. Applications for permits must be made by the proprietor (or a representative) to the Minister of Education based on a prescribed form and including the required information (with applicants not obliged to have legal personality). Once an application has been received, the Minister orders an inspection to verify the information and determine whether the minimum standards are met. Standards include the provision of suitable premises, adequate land, classroom size, sufficient financial and material resources, and the proprietor or principal to not have been convicted of a criminal offence or any offence under the 2012 Education Act. For an institution to be classified as “assisted”, a mutual agreement must be made between the Minister of Education and the proprietor (remaining valid for a minimum of 3 years) which specifies the rights and responsibilities of each party.
Licence: If all the above requirements are met to the satisfaction of the Minister, the applicant is issued a permit to operate (which may be subject to certain conditions) that remains valid for 3 years upon first issuance (and renewed every 5 years after).
WASH: According to the 2012 Education Act, private educational institutions are subject to the same health and sanitary arrangements required by the Anguilla public health authorities of state and assisted institutions. Upon a private educational institution’s registration, the provider must inform the Minister of the supply of clean drinking water and the number and type of latrines in the school, as listed in the 2008 Private School Regulations (revised in 2014).
Profit-making: Private educational institutions in Anguilla can be operating as for-profit or non-profit institutions. According to the 2012 Education Act, “any person dispensing, for profit or non-profit purposes, educational services for the own account of that person shall be deemed to be operating a private educational institution”.
Taxes and subsidies: Private educational institutions can receive assistance from the state if they come to a mutual agreement with the Minister of Education to have the status of an “assisted” institution, in which they are regulated similar to state institutions and subject to further restrictions. Assisted educational institutions are provided with grants that cover costs in maintenance, furniture, building extension (or rebuilding), staff salaries, and any other purpose determined by the Minister (which regulates the level of assistance to be provided to each institution).
Quality of teaching and learning
Curriculum and education standards: Assisted private educational institutions are required to follow the curriculum prescribed by the Minister of Education (similar to state institutions), which is reviewed on an ongoing basis based on regional priorities and guidelines. However, the 2012 Education Act allows assisted institutions which are owned and/or managed by denominational bodies to maintain their status as “religious schools” and follow their own curriculum (with non-compulsory religious instruction). According to the 2008 Private School Regulations (revised in 2014), private educational institutions may follow their own curriculum in subjects that have been approved by the Officer of Education. While the regulations require all private institutions to provide secular instruction, the 2012 Education Act and 1982 Anguilla Constitution Order.
Textbooks and learning materials: While the government does not regulate the textbooks used in private educational institutions, assisted institutions are required to use the list of textbooks prescribed by the Minister of Education (similar to state schools) to ensure conformity with national education standards. Textbooks are recommended by the Curriculum Unit for each subject and subject to review every 5 years.
Teaching profession: According to the 2012 Education Act, any teacher employed in a private educational institution must have at least the minimum qualifications required for a teacher in an equivalent state institution. The Chief Education Officer is authorized to declare any teacher unfit to be employed. Teachers in assisted private educational institutions are covered under similar provisions and working rights as teachers in state institutions, which includes an adequate working environment, appropriate equipment, legal or psychological support, and being a member of the Anguilla Teachers Union.
Corporal punishment: Corporal punishment is prohibited for all educational institutions (irrespective of ownership) in the 2012 Education Act, which states that “no person who is employed in a school or owns, manages, or controls an assisted private school, private educational institution, or an early childhood education facility shall administer corporal punishment to any student or child enrolled at or attending the school, institution, or facility”
Other safety measures and Covid-19: The 2012 Education Act authorizes the Minister of Education to order the closure of any educational institution in Anguilla (state, assisted, or private) for the purpose of preventing the spread of any disease that is dangerous to the health of students and staff.
Fee-setting: While the Minister does not regulate the fees levied by private educational institutions, the fees of assisted private educational establishments (including any additional charges made) are regulated and must be approved by the Minister.
Admission selection and processes: The Minister of Education regulates the admission selection process of all state and assisted educational institutions in Anguilla, including specific admissions and transfer of students between schools. Moreover, all state, private, and assisted educational institutions are strictly prohibited from denying admission to a student on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, place of origin, political opinions, creed, or mental/physical handicap.
Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability
Board: While there is no requirement for private educational institutions to establish any particular governing board, the Minister of Education strongly encourages the formation of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) in all state and assisted private educational institutions (as well as the establishment of a National Council of PTAs), allowing parents, teachers, and community members to participate in school management.
Reporting requirements: All educational institutions in Anguilla (irrespective of ownership) are required to maintain student records and provide the Minister of Education with any returns requested that contain information required by any law or regulation.
Inspection: According to the 2012 Education Act, the Chief Education Officer, Minister of Education, or any authorized officer may enter and inspect the premises of any assisted or private educational institution during school hours.
Assessment: Students in state and assisted private educational institutions are required to sit for assessments and examinations prescribed by the Minister of Education (such as the Caribbean Advance Proficiency Examination).
Sanctions: Based on the 2012 Education Act all educational institutions (state assisted, and private) are subject to various sanctions in case of non-compliance. If any person obstructs a lawful school inspection from taking place or refuses to provide the required information, they will be liable to a fine of 1,000 XCD (370 USD). If on the other hand an institution fails to comply with the Act or regulations (to the satisfaction of the Minister), the provider will be served a notice to comply, which if not met, authorizes the Minister to suspend or cancel the institution’s permit. Educational institutions which have had their permits suspended must remain closed for the period specified in the notice, while institutions which have had their permit cancelled must remain closed until a new permit is issued (through re-application). In case the sanction concerns a state or assisted institution, the Minister makes arrangements for the alternative instruction of all students affected by the closure. Finally, if any private educational institution is found to be operating without a valid permit, the provider will be subject to a fine of 1,000 XCD (370 USD) or imprisonment for 6 months.
3.3 Supplementary private tutoring
Private tutoring exists in Anguilla in the form of small group or one-to-one instruction (remote or in-person). However, no regulatory framework was found regarding private tutors or private tutoring centres. The Department of Education supports the short-term, one-to-one tutoring intervention known as Reading Recovery, which aims to help low-achieving first graders catch up with certain complex concepts. Anguilla is the only Caribbean Island that offers this program, having been in existence since 1998.
No information was found.
Financial operation and quality
No information was found.
No information was found.
