How the Barbados education system is run
The Ministry of Education Transformation oversees the system under the Education Act, Cap. 41 and the Education Regulations, 1982. Boards of management and other bodies share in governance.
Key facts
- The Minister of Education heads the Ministry. The Constitution of Barbados gives the Minister authority over all education matters.
- A Permanent Secretary leads the administrative side. A Chief Education Officer leads the technical side.
- They are supported by a Deputy Permanent Secretary, two Deputy Chief Education Officers and Ministry staff.
- The system serves about 60,000 students a year in 136 educational institutions.
- Students have universal access to education from birth to age 16.
- Government support includes free primary textbooks, free travel on public buses, uniform grants and free health care. Bursaries help eligible students attend government-assisted private schools.
If you are an education officer
Education officers play an important part in good governance. See Your duties as an education officer.
More about governance
Schools in operation, as of 2026
| Type | Public | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery | 12 | 16 |
| Primary | 68 | 27 |
| Secondary | 21 | 10 |
| Special | 4 (government) | 5 |
What good governance looks like
Governance is the oversight of schools and the education system: the laws, policies, standards, structures, processes and bodies that regulate them.
With good governance, every level of education, from government and the Ministry to schools, works towards the same priorities and goals. Laws and policies are developed together, not one at a time. Communication flows both ways. Leaders report results openly and use public funds wisely and fairly.
Still not sure?
Find the right person in the Ministry staff directory. Have the details of your situation to hand.
Open the staff directory (opens on mes.gov.bb)The law and policy behind this
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