| Education System in Turks and Caicos Islands |
Developing a balanced school system for a population of children distributed across these tiny Caribbean Islands was never going to be an easy matter, and to this day many teachers at primary schools are not adequately trained. That said, religious institutions have stepped into the gap, making it possible for the nation to aspire to a goal of free and compulsory education from ages 5 to 15. The system is largely based on the British model, and so primary schooling lasts for 6 years.
The 4 state secondary schools are supported by 3 private institutions. The second phase of the official education program ends abruptly after 3 years, although private study is possible through the privately-owned initiatives, where fees are charged.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College provides technical / vocational training in skills that include autocad, carpentry, electrical installation, and tiling. It also has professional up-skilling programs, and offers adult education courses too.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College is also the nation’s only post-secondary education institution, and has campuses on both Grand Turk Island and Providenciales. Its education programs include 2-year associate degrees in business, computer studies, electrical engineering technology, computer & electronics engineering technology, building & design technology, hospitality studies, and general programs focusing on chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, sociology, economics, law & government, and politics. The College also provides A-Level education in these general subjects. Other opportunities include clinical nursing, and primary teacher education training.
