The Government’s plan to strengthen secondary education will be supported by a $647-million investment aimed at transforming teaching, learning, and student support systems in the upcoming fiscal year.
These initiatives will be implemented under the Jamaica Education Project (JEP) as outlined in the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure, which was tabled in the House of Representatives on February 12 by Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams.
The initiative will fund the training of teachers, principals, and master trainers for grades seven to 13 and equip 180 secondary schools with modern science and audiovisual resources.
It includes developing predictive early warning models to identify at risk students alongside comprehensive intervention and retention frameworks designed to improve student outcomes.
Plans also include procuring equipment and human resource support services for the Education Management Information System (EMIS).
During fiscal year 2026/27, the Government will mobilise the design process and identify a contractor to construct a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) school.
JEP’s objective is to enhance teaching practices and learning conditions in secondary education, while promoting greater use of information for decision making across the education system.
Among the achievements up to December 2025 are the development of output specifications for construction of a STEAM school and acquiring land for the institution in Minard, St. Ann.
Under Component One, ‘Support to Teaching in Secondary Education’, 236 teachers were trained, while 931 stakeholders received training to utilise the Education Management Information System (EMIS).
The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, with funding provided by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).
It commenced in November 2023 and is scheduled for completion in November 2029.
