-by Kimberly Giddings

Guyana’s education system is set for a major shift, as schools will now be graded on performance under a new “school report card” system.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, during the Starting Point Podcast.

The Education Minister says the initiative, expected to be rolled out this year, will move beyond evaluating individual students to now assess schools on the overall delivery of education.

She says the report cards will examine factors such as academic performance, teacher attendance, curriculum delivery and the effective use of resources.

“So we also have to look at moving these schools from one stage to the next. You have A-list schools, you have B-list schools, and you have national schools. And so we have to look at how these schools perform. So a report card for the schools is different than a report card for the individual students. So this report card is going to be based on the performance of that school overall,” she said.

Parag says at its core, the initiative is about accountability and ensuring schools are held responsible for their performances. 

She believes that when schools are evaluated this way, it can motivate improvement, as institutions strive to match the standards of those performing well. 

The Minister, however, emphasised that the aim is not just comparison, but better results. 

She says as government continues to invest in education, schools must deliver, so students can gain the skills required in their chosen subject areas, preparing them for future careers, and contributing meaningfully to national development.

“We have to be able to create that environment for that to happen, for that improvement, that development to happen. The teachers have to assist us because they are stakeholders in this. The schools have to be managed in such a way that you’re getting the best out of that investment. The students are going to be getting the best education out of that placement. So it’s holding the schools accountable,” the minister added.

The Minister is hoping to have the first report cardsdeveloped by the time the 2026 National Grade Six Assessment is completed.