Secondary Education in Dominica

Secondary education in Dominica provides formal schooling for students between ages 12 and 16, and in some cases up to age 18. It represents the transition stage between compulsory primary education and tertiary or vocational opportunities. Secondary schooling is overseen by the Ministry of Education, and has been a central focus of reforms aimed at improving access, quality, and relevance. The sector is also shaped by the OECS Education Sector Strategy (OESS), which harmonizes standards and curriculum across Eastern Caribbean states.

Historical Development and Policy Framework

Secondary education in Dominica expanded significantly during the late 20th century. Prior to independence in 1978, access was largely limited to urban centers such as Roseau and Portsmouth, where mission schools and government institutions operated. Many rural students lacked opportunities and had to travel long distances or rely on scholarships to attend secondary school.

The Education Act of 1997 enshrined universal access to secondary education as a national goal, building on earlier policies to democratize schooling. With donor support from agencies like the World Bank, UNICEF, and the Caribbean Development Bank, the government invested in new secondary schools, teacher training, and curriculum reform. By the early 2000s, the Universal Secondary Education (USE) initiative was introduced, ensuring that every child completing primary school could enter a secondary institution.

The Education Sector Plan 2021-2025 continues to emphasize secondary education, highlighting goals such as improving pass rates in core subjects, enhancing teacher professional development, and incorporating climate resilience and technology into the classroom.

Structure, Access, and Curriculum

Dominica’s secondary education system generally spans Forms 1 through 5, equivalent to Grades 7–11. Entry is based on performance in the Grade 6 National Assessment (G6NA), which replaced the older Common Entrance Examination. Successful candidates are placed into one of Dominica’s secondary schools, with placement considering both performance and geographic location.

At the end of Form 5, students sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). These results determine eligibility for tertiary studies at the Dominica State College or other regional and international institutions.

The curriculum is broad and includes:

• Core subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies.
• Electives: Information Technology, Agriculture, Business, Home Economics, Technical and Vocational subjects.
• Enrichment areas: Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Environmental Education.

Several schools also integrate disaster preparedness and climate resilience studies into their teaching, reflecting Dominica’s vulnerability to hurricanes and natural hazards.

Notable Secondary Schools in Dominica

• Dominica Grammar School – One of the island’s oldest institutions, established in the 19th century.
• Saint Mary’s Academy (SMA) – A long-standing Catholic boys’ school in Roseau.
• Convent High School – Founded by nuns, now one of the leading schools for girls.
• Portsmouth Secondary School – Serving the north of the island.
• Castle Bruce Secondary School – Built under the Universal Secondary Education drive to expand access in the east.
• North East Comprehensive School – A newer addition providing broad curriculum coverage.
• Isaiah Thomas Secondary School – Named after the Dominican cultural figure and educator.

Quality Assurance, Assessment, and Teacher Training

The Curriculum and Measurement Unit within the Ministry of Education oversees curriculum development and student assessments. Secondary teachers are expected to hold professional qualifications, and many receive advanced training at the Dominica State College or through regional initiatives. However, disparities remain between urban and rural schools, where teacher shortages and limited resources can affect outcomes.

National assessment reports reveal that while access has been achieved, quality remains uneven. Pass rates in core subjects like Mathematics and English are often lower than regional averages. To address this, the Ministry has expanded teacher professional development, introduced remedial programmes, and strengthened partnerships with the OECS CXC initiatives.

Infrastructure is another area of focus. Hurricane Maria in 2017 damaged many secondary schools, forcing temporary closures and shifts to alternative spaces. Reconstruction projects, supported by the World Bank, Caribbean Development Bank, the China-Aid Project of Schools Reconstruction and the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme, have emphasized climate-resilient school design, with solar power, improved drainage, and hurricane-proof classrooms.

Regional and International Support

Secondary education reforms are closely tied to OECS frameworks. The OECS OESS provides a shared platform for curriculum reform, teacher training, and monitoring. Dominica has benefited from OECS programmes such as:

• OECS PEARL Project: Strengthening literacy and numeracy.
• OECS TVET initiatives: Integrating technical and vocational training into the secondary curriculum.
• ICT in Schools programmes: Expanding access to digital learning.

International agencies, including UNICEF, UNESCO, and the World Bank, continue to provide technical and financial support. UNICEF has focused on adolescent education and life skills, while the World Bank has funded school rehabilitation and digital learning initiatives.

Current Challenges in Secondary Education

• Uneven Performance: Gaps in literacy and numeracy at entry point affect outcomes.
• Teacher Shortages: Particularly in rural schools and technical subject areas.
• Infrastructure Strain: Storms and natural hazards damage facilities and disrupt schooling.
• Resource Gaps: Limited technology and laboratory equipment in some schools.
• Equity Issues: Students with disabilities and those from low-income backgrounds require more support.

Future Directions

The future of secondary education in Dominica is guided by the goals of inclusivity, resilience, and relevance. Priorities outlined in the Education Sector Plan include:

• Raising CSEC pass rates in Mathematics, English, and Science.
• Expanding digital classrooms and ICT integration.
• Strengthening technical and vocational education to better align with labor market needs.
• Ensuring all secondary schools are climate-resilient and disaster-prepared.
• Deepening partnerships with regional and international agencies to sustain quality improvements.

Ultimately, secondary education in Dominica remains a vital bridge for young people, linking compulsory schooling with the skills and knowledge required for tertiary education, employment, and active citizenship.