The Forest-Side Secondary College, led by Reza Saumtally, a member of parliament and director of the OCEP and Forest-Side Secondary College, has been granted a permit to operate as a private secondary school. According to Amrita Boolauky, director of the Private Secondary Education Authority (PSEA), the college's registration was done in accordance with the Education Act, PSEA Act, and relevant regulations. The college is set to receive government subsidies once it meets specific criteria outlined in the Comprehensive Grant Formula.
The PSEA has clarified that no subsidies have been disbursed to the college yet, and the funds will only be granted once the required criteria are met. Amrita Boolauky also emphasized that the Forest-Side Secondary College is a new establishment, not a private school converted into a subsidized college. The college began classes in Grades 7, 8, and 9, with one class per grade, and the students admitted meet the required criteria for a subsidized college.
Reza Saumtally submitted his application to the authorities in April and obtained the official permit on August 5, 2026. However, there is a discrepancy in the information provided, as Saumtally stated that the college will start operating in January 2027, while the PSEA indicated that classes have already begun. Saumtally explained that the current OCEP establishment in Forest-Side will be separated into two distinct entities, with separate entrances for OCEP and Forest-Side Secondary College students.
Despite the explanations provided, several private school managers have expressed concerns about the approval process. They argue that the opening of a new college comes at a time when authorities have announced the closure of three private establishments in January 2027. The managers question the reasons behind the authorization of a new college in an area that already has several private schools.
The private school managers also raised concerns about the recruitment of students during the third trimester of the academic year, a practice that has sparked questions among sector operators. Some responsible parties claim to have waited several months or even years to obtain the necessary permits to start a college, and they demand explanations from the authorities regarding the conditions surrounding the permit granted to Forest-Side Secondary College.
Amrita Boolauky attributed the delay in processing the application to the inspection and verification procedures conducted by the PSEA's supervision section, which required more time. She confirmed that the "Norms & Standards" applicable to various aspects of the college's operation have been respected. The PSEA is still in the process of completing some registration procedures.
The controversy surrounding the Forest-Side Secondary College's permit has sparked a wider debate about the regulation of private schools in Mauritius. The situation has raised questions about the transparency and fairness of the permit-granting process, with some calling for greater accountability from the authorities. The PSEA and the government have yet to respond to the concerns raised by private school managers.
Key points
- The Forest-Side Secondary College has obtained its operating permit amid concerns about the conditions surrounding its approval.
- The college's registration was done in accordance with the Education Act, PSEA Act, and relevant regulations.
- The permit-granting process has sparked questions about transparency and fairness in the regulation of private schools in Mauritius.
