Government School Registration for 2025/2026 Academic Year Now Open

The Department of Education Services (DES) advises parents and guardians that the Government School Registration Portal is now open for applications for the 2025/2026 academic year.

“We look forward to welcoming a new group of learners for the upcoming academic year,” says DES Director, Mr. Mark Ray. “Registration opens on 1 March, giving families ample time to complete the application process and prepare for the new school year starting in August.”

Mr. Ray emphasises the importance of submitting applications during the Standard Registration Period, which runs from 1 March to 30 June 2025.

“Applying early is crucial to securing your child’s place in a school within your designated catchment area,” he explains. “Enrolment is processed on a first-come, first-served basis, based on space availability, and following the established priority list.”

Registration Periods

• Standard Registration Period: 1 March – 30 June 2025

• Late Application Period: 1 July – 30 November 2025 (subject to space availability and possible delays in processing)

Programme Offerings for the 2025/2026 School Year

In Grand Cayman:

• Nursery – Available for Caymanian and Refugee children who turn three (3) years old before 1 September 2025. (Only for children living in the North Side and East End districts.)

• Reception – Available for Caymanian and Refugee children who turn four (4) years old before 1 September 2025. (Offered at all Government Primary Schools.)

• Compulsory Schooling (Primary & Secondary) – Open to children aged five (5) years old before 1 September 2025 up to children aged sixteen (16) years old before 1 September 2025.

In Cayman Brac:

• Nursery – Open to children who turn three (3) years old before 1 September 2025.

• Reception – Open to children who turn four (4) years old before 1 September 2025.

• Compulsory Schooling (Primary & Secondary) – Open to children aged five (5) years old before 1 September 2025 up to children aged sixteen (16) years old before 1 September 2025.

In Little Cayman: (Services available based on need)

• Reception – Open to children who turn four (4) years old before 1 September 2025.

• Compulsory Schooling (Primary Only) – Open to children aged five (5) years old before 1 September 2025 up to children aged ten (10) years old before 1 September 2025.

Priority for placement will be given in the following order:

1. Caymanians

2. Refugees and Asylum Seekers

3. Dependents of Caymanians (including children pending Caymanian status, dependents of persons married to Caymanians, and adopted children of Caymanian parents)

4. Dependents of Contracted Government Employees (Civil Servants)

5. Dependents of Permanent Residents

6. Dependents of Work Permit Holders

Please note: Categories 3 to 6 are subject to space availability, and tuition fees apply to compulsory school-age children in these categories.

Application Process

• All applications must be completed online via the DES Registration Portal.

• Schools do not handle registration; parents should not visit schools to apply or check for space.

• False or misleading information (e.g., incorrect address, guardianship details) may result in immediate rejection of the application.

For regular updates on the registration period and requirements, please visit: https://schools.edu.ky

For further assistance with online applications, contact the DES Customer Services Unit at: edu.registration@gov.ky