In This Guide
- Education System Structure
- Nursery Enrollment
- Primary Enrollment
- Secondary Placement (NGSA)
- Diaspora / Returning Families
- Because We Care Cash Grant
- Free CXC Exams
- School Feeding Programme
- Special Education (SEND)
- Notable Schools
- 2026 School Calendar
- Free University Education
- Recent Reforms
- Ministry of Education Contact
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Links
- education.gov.gy — Ministry of Education Official Ministry of Education website with enrollment information, policies, and announcements.
- exams.moegy.org — NGSA Results Check National Grade Six Assessment results and secondary school placement.
- cg.gov.gy — Because We Care Cash Grant Register for and track the per-student education cash grants (up to $85,000).
Education System Structure
Guyana's education system follows a structured progression from nursery through tertiary level. Public education is completely free at all levels, including university (since January 2025). The academic year follows a 3-term system.
| Level | Age Range | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursery | 3 years 9 months – 5 years | 2 years | Pre-primary education, play-based learning |
| Primary | ~5 years 6 months – 12 years | 6 years (Grades 1–6) | Core academics, ends with NGSA exam |
| Secondary | ~12 – 17/18 years | 5–7 years (Forms 1–5/7) | General or technical education, CXC exams |
| Tertiary | 18+ years | Varies | Free from January 2025 (UG, technical institutes) |
3-Term Academic Year
The Guyanese academic year runs from September to July and is divided into three terms: the Christmas Term (September–December, the first term of each school year), the Easter Term (January–March/April), and the third term (April/May–July). Each term is separated by school holidays. The 2025/2026 school year began on September 8, 2025.
Nursery Enrollment
Nursery school is the first step in Guyana's formal education system. It provides two years of early childhood education before children transition to primary school.
How to Enroll in Nursery
Tip for Parents
Nursery enrollment typically opens around the middle of each year in preparation for the new school year starting in September (Christmas Term). Visit your preferred school as early as possible, as popular schools may fill up quickly. If the school is full, the Department of Education at 68 Brickdam can help with placement at nearby schools.
Primary Enrollment
Primary school covers Grades 1 through 6 and begins at approximately 5 years and 6 months of age. Children typically transition from nursery directly into primary school.
Primary Enrollment Requirements
Primary education culminates in the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), which determines placement into secondary schools.
Secondary Placement (NGSA)
The National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) is the national examination that determines which secondary school a student is placed in. It is taken by all Grade 6 students across Guyana.
NGSA Key Facts
Important for Parents
Your child's home address (area code) plays a significant role in secondary school placement alongside exam scores. Ensure your proof of residence is current and accurate when registering for the NGSA. Transfer requests after placement are handled by the Ministry of Education's Placement Unit at 68 Brickdam.
Diaspora / Returning Families
If your family is returning to Guyana from abroad and you need to enroll your child in school, the Ministry of Education has a specific process for placement.
Contact the Placement Unit
Visit the Ministry of Education Placement Unit at 68 Brickdam, Georgetown. Bring your child's previous school records, birth certificate, and proof of residence in Guyana.
Placement Assessment Test
Your child will take a Placement Assessment test in Mathematics and English. These tests are offered in July and December each year to align with school term starts.
Obtain Re-Migration Status
Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to obtain re-migration status, which may provide additional support and documentation for school enrollment.
Receive School Placement
Based on the assessment results and your area of residence, the Placement Unit will assign your child to an appropriate school and grade level.
Cash Grant Eligibility
Children of returning diaspora families qualify for the Because We Care cash grant ($85,000 per student) once enrolled in a school in Guyana. Ensure your child is registered at a school to receive the grant during distribution.
Because We Care Cash Grant
The Because We Care programme provides an annual cash grant to every student enrolled in nursery, primary, and secondary schools in Guyana — both public and private.
Grant Details
For more details on the Because We Care programme and the broader $100,000 National Cash Grant, see our Cash Grant Registration Guide.
Free CXC Exams
The Government of Guyana pays Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examination fees for secondary school students, removing a major financial barrier for families.
What's Covered
Note for Parents
Students who wish to sit more than 8 CSEC subjects may need to cover the additional fees themselves. Speak with your child's school for exact details on subject limits and any additional costs.
School Feeding Programme
The School Feeding Programme provides free meals to students across Guyana, ensuring that children receive proper nutrition during the school day.
The programme is expanding in 2026 to cover additional schools, particularly in hinterland and underserved areas. Meals are prepared and served at participating schools during school hours at no cost to families.
Special Education (SEND)
Guyana is expanding its Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) infrastructure to provide inclusive education for all children.
SEND Resources
Parents of children with special needs should contact the Ministry of Education's Special Education Unit for guidance on enrollment and available support services.
Notable Schools
Top Public Secondary Schools
| School | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Queen's College (QC) | Georgetown | Guyana's premier secondary school; admits top 1% NGSA scorers nationally |
| Bishops' High School | Georgetown | Historically one of the top-performing schools |
| St Stanislaus College | Georgetown | Catholic boys' school with strong academic tradition |
| St Rose's High School | Georgetown | Catholic girls' school, consistently high CXC pass rates |
| St Joseph High School | Georgetown | Well-regarded co-educational Catholic school |
| President's College | Golden Grove, ECD | Residential school for high-achieving students |
Notable Private Schools
| School | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marian Academy | Georgetown | One of the leading private schools; nursery through secondary |
| Mae's School | Georgetown | Well-established private institution |
| School of the Nations (Chase) | Georgetown | International curriculum, diverse student body |
| Academy of Excellence | Georgetown | Growing private school with modern facilities |
Private School Note
Students at private schools are eligible for $85,000 in annual student grants and free CXC exam fees, the same as public school students. Private schools charge tuition fees that vary by institution.
2026 School Calendar
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easter Term | January 5, 2026 | March 27, 2026 | Second term of 2025/2026 school year |
| Easter Holiday | March 28 | April 12 | ~2-week break |
| Third (Summer) Term | April 13, 2026 | July 3, 2026 | Final term of 2025/2026 school year; NGSA exam in April |
| August Holiday | July 4 | August 30 | ~8-week break |
| Christmas Term | August 31, 2026 | December 11, 2026 | First term of 2026/2027 school year (indicative — confirm with MoE) |
Calendar Note
These dates are based on the official 2026 school calendar. The Ministry of Education may adjust dates due to holidays, national events, or unforeseen circumstances. Check education.gov.gy for any updates.
Free University Education
Starting January 2025, the University of Guyana (UG) became tuition-free for all students, a landmark policy change that removes the cost barrier to higher education.
Higher Education Benefits
This means a child entering nursery school today can receive free education all the way through university in Guyana's public system.
Recent Reforms
The Government of Guyana has been making significant investments in transforming the education system. Key recent reforms include:
42 New Secondary Schools
Construction of 42 new secondary schools across the country to expand capacity and reduce overcrowding. This is part of the government's plan for universal secondary education by September 2026.
Guyana Digital School
The Guyana Digital School at digitalschool.moe.edu.gy provides online learning resources, digital lessons, and study materials for students across the country.
Smart Classrooms
The smart classroom initiative is equipping schools with modern technology including interactive boards, tablets, and internet connectivity to enhance teaching and learning.
Universal Secondary Education
By September 2026, every child in Guyana will have a guaranteed place in secondary school, eliminating the previous shortage of secondary school places.
Ministry of Education Contact
Ministry of Education (Main Office)
Placement Unit
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can a child start nursery school in Guyana?
Children can start nursery school at age 3 years and 9 months. The child's birthday must be on or before June 30 of the enrollment year to qualify for that academic year.
Is public school free in Guyana?
Yes, public school education in Guyana is completely free from nursery through secondary level. The government also covers CXC exam fees and provides up to $85,000 per student in annual education grants (the $60,000 Because We Care grant, $5,000 uniform allowance and $20,000 transportation grant).
What is the NGSA exam?
The National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) is a national exam taken by Grade 6 students in April each year. It covers English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Results are released in June and determine secondary school placement based on scores and area code.
How much is the Because We Care cash grant?
The Because We Care cash grant is $60,000 per student (increased in Budget 2026), plus a $5,000 uniform allowance and a new $20,000 annual transportation grant, totaling $85,000 per student. It is available to all students in nursery, primary, and secondary schools, both public and private.
Does the government pay for CXC exams?
Yes, the Government of Guyana pays CXC examination fees for up to 8 CSEC subjects per student, as well as CAPE fees. This applies to students in both public and private schools, representing over $850 million in support (Budget 2026).
How do returning diaspora families enroll their children?
Returning families should contact the Ministry of Education Placement Unit at 68 Brickdam, Georgetown. Children take a Placement Assessment test in Math and English, offered in July and December. Obtain re-migration status from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Children of returning families qualify for the Because We Care cash grant.
What documents are needed for primary school enrollment?
You need the child's birth certificate, proof of residence (utility bill or similar), immunization records, and a completed application form from the school.
When does the school year start in Guyana?
The Guyanese academic year runs from September to July. The 2025/2026 school year began on September 8, 2025 with the Christmas Term (first term). Within calendar year 2026, the Easter Term (second term) began on January 5, 2026. The school year follows a 3-term system: Christmas Term (September–December), Easter Term (January–March/April), and the third/summer term (April/May–July).
What are the top secondary schools in Guyana?
Notable public secondary schools include Queen's College, Bishops' High School, St Stanislaus College, St Rose's High School, St Joseph High School, and President's College. Top private schools include Marian Academy, Mae's School, School of the Nations, and Academy of Excellence.
Is university free in Guyana?
Yes, starting January 2025, the University of Guyana became tuition-free for all students. All government-run technical and vocational institutes are also free. The GOAL scholarship programme has awarded over 39,000 online scholarships.
How does secondary school placement work after the NGSA?
After the NGSA exam in April, results are released in June. Students are placed in secondary schools based on their exam scores combined with their area code (home address). The top 1% of scorers nationally are placed at Queen's College. Other top schools fill based on scores and geographic zones.
What is the School Feeding Programme?
Per Budget 2026 §4.128, the National School Feeding Programme is benefiting approximately 110,500 children in nursery and primary schools, plus nearly 4,600 children from 29 secondary schools — about 115,000 students nationally. The programme continues to expand in 2026. Total 2026 education sector budget: $183.6 billion (Budget 2026 §4.135). Compulsory schooling and enrollment requirements are governed by the Education Act, Cap. 39:01.
Are there special education facilities in Guyana?
Yes, Guyana has 49 SEND facilities across the country. The first deaf school is currently under construction, and SEND teacher training is available at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).
Can private school students receive the Because We Care grant?
Yes, students at private schools receive the same education grants — up to $85,000 per student — available to all students enrolled in both public and private nursery, primary, and secondary schools in Guyana.
What is the Guyana Digital School?
The Guyana Digital School at digitalschool.moe.edu.gy is an online learning platform launched by the Ministry of Education. It provides digital lessons and resources for students, supporting the government's smart classroom initiative and universal secondary education goals.
Explore More Government Guides
Get the details on cash grants, digital ID, and healthcare vouchers for your family.
Cash Grant Guide Digital ID Guide Health Voucher GuideLast updated: June 3, 2026. Primary sources used for this guide: Ministry of Education · Cash Grant Portal · Budget 2026 (Ministry of Finance). Information and fees may change — always verify current requirements with the issuing authority before acting. For general government services information, see our Government Services hub.