Ministry of Education clears the air about Glanvilles/Pares Secondary School merger

PRESS RELEASE

St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda – 25th June, 2025– The Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries wishes to clarify a recent media item and misinformation posted on social media concerning its proposal to merge Glanvilles Secondary School (GSS) and Pares Secondary School (PSS), effective from the 2025–2026 academic year.

This strategic recommendation responds to persistent enrollment decline, underutilized resources, and changing demographic trends. This proposal is a long-standing one dating back to 2019. The proposed merger is not about cost-saving, it intends to create a sustainable, vibrant learning environment that focuses on educational quality, efficiency, and equity that allow our students to thrive academically and socially.

It is the intention of the Ministry of Education to make a proposal to the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda for their decision on this proposed merger. Any discussions had with stakeholders in education was done to inform individuals of the impending proposal.

Currently, both schools serve a total population of 341 students, a figure significantly below their combined capacity, yet will still be considered a small school. The Glanvilles Secondary School has a population of 163 (total capacity 250) and the Pares Secondary School has a population of 178 (total capacity 550). The schools, which are only 2.5 miles apart, share similar curricula and serve overlapping communities (feeder schools are the same).

Noting the urgent and immediate need to develop the nation’s capacity for food security, a recommendation will be made for the Glanvilles Secondary School to be converted to a National School of Agriculture, which was previously earmarked for the Bethesda Primary School. This school of agriculture is expected to be opened in September, 2025, as a part of the recently established Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS). The ABCAS is an amalgamation of Antigua State College, Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology, Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute and the Harrison Center/ABICE.

Should the recommendation be accepted by the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, further consultations will be held with parents, teachers and other stakeholders and the necessary upgrades and refurbishment of the existing plant will take place.