The government of Mauritius is planning to close or merge several public primary and secondary schools starting January 2027 due to a continuous decline in birth rates and student enrollment. This move is part of a broader effort to reorganize the education sector in response to changing demographics. According to data, some schools have as few as 36 students for 15 teachers, with only three admissions for Grade 1 for the 2027 academic year.
The decline in student numbers is not limited to public schools. Three private colleges, St Bartholomew’s College in Port-Louis, Royal Holloway College in Montagne-Blanche, and Alpha College, will also close in January 2027 after the Private Secondary Education Authority (PSEA) withdrew their subsidies. The PSEA cited the low student numbers in these schools as the reason for the decision, which affects a total of three subsidized private colleges.
The main reason for the school closures and mergers is the declining birth rate in Mauritius, which has led to a decrease in the number of children entering the education system. In some areas, schools with low student numbers will be closed, and students will be transferred to nearby schools. Authorities are also considering the social impact of school closures, as a sufficient number of students in one school is seen as essential for a healthy school life.
The Ministry of Education is working on the Teacher-Pupil Ratio, which currently stands at 1 teacher for 25-28 students, down from 1 teacher for 35-40 students in the past. In some cases, classes in the Foundation Programme in Literacy, Numeracy and Skills (FPLNS) have as few as 10-12 students. The government plans to redeploy permanent teaching and non-teaching staff from closed schools to other schools or sectors.
The decision on school closures will be finalized by the Council of Ministers. The Mauritius Education Development Company (MEDCO) Ltd will absorb eligible permanent staff from closed schools and redeploy them to MEDCO schools, state colleges, or other sectors. The government aims to ensure a smooth transition for students and staff affected by the closures.
The private education sector is also concerned about the viability of schools with low student numbers. Some private school administrators are worried that their schools may not meet the required threshold of 150 students, which could lead to further closures in the future. The decline in student numbers is a challenge for both public and private schools in Mauritius.
The changes in the education sector are driven by shifting family habits, with some families choosing to live near popular schools or having smaller families with fewer children. The government is working to adapt to these changes and ensure that the education system remains effective and efficient. The school closures and mergers are part of a broader effort to reorganize the education sector in response to demographic changes.
Key points
- The government of Mauritius plans to close or merge several public primary and secondary schools in January 2027 due to declining enrollment and low student numbers.
- Three private colleges will also close in January 2027 after the Private Secondary Education Authority (PSEA) withdrew their subsidies due to low student numbers.
- The main reason for the school closures and mergers is the declining birth rate in Mauritius, which has led to a decrease in the number of children entering the education system.
