The Forest-Side Secondary College, associated with Labour Party MP Reza Saumtally, is set to open in 2027. The college will initially share a complex with the Open College Educational Programme (OCEP) in Curepipe. As a registered private secondary school, it may be eligible for government subsidies. The college's registration has raised questions, particularly in light of declining enrollment in other private schools. Saint-Bartholomew's College and Royal Holloway College are set to close due to low student numbers.
The Private Secondary Education Authority (PSEA) states that the college's registration process began in January 2026, following an application from the OCEP operator. The PSEA board obtained ministry approval in March and received the full application in May. The Supervision Section conducted inspections and submitted its report in July. The PSEA notes that the Education Act grants the minister powers to register new schools. The Forest-Side Secondary College was registered on August 5.
The college will share the complex with OCEP, but with separate facilities and entrances. The PSEA reports that three floors are allocated to the college, with specialized rooms, laboratories, and recreational equipment. This setup is considered temporary, with plans for a dedicated building on the same site in 2027. The college's infrastructure and teacher qualifications are being monitored by the Supervision Section.
A key concern is the threshold of 150 students, which some argue is necessary for a school's viability. However, the PSEA states that no minimum student number is required for initial registration. The Education Act defines a school as a group of 10 students. The 150-student threshold was previously applied to converting non-subsidized schools to subsidized status.
The PSEA clarifies that registration and subsidy payment are separate steps. A registered school does not automatically receive government funding, which is only paid when the Comprehensive Grant Formula conditions are met. An agreement has been reached with the Forest-Side Secondary College: no subsidies will be paid until the school enrolls over 150 students, expected to happen in 2027.
The OCEP's recent results have raised questions, with 132 students taking the School Certificate, and 12 passing. Another series shows 114 candidates and 10 passes. These numbers do not necessarily reflect the quality of education or future performance of the Forest-Side Secondary College. Reza Saumtally, associated with the college, had not responded to inquiries at the time of publication.
Ultimately, concerns remain about ensuring new schools meet genuine educational needs while utilizing public resources effectively. The PSEA maintains that the legal framework allows for new schools to open, provided regulatory requirements are met. The Forest-Side Secondary College's impact on Mauritius' education landscape remains to be seen.
Key points
- The Forest-Side Secondary College's registration and funding have raised questions about the government's role in supporting new private schools.
- The college's initial enrollment and infrastructure are being monitored by the Supervision Section.
- The 150-student threshold for government subsidies may be a challenge for the college to meet in its first year.
