The Private Secondary Education Authority (PSEA) in Mauritius has issued a statement clarifying the registration of Forest-Side Secondary College. According to the PSEA, the college was registered on August 5, 2026, following a thorough process that included an inspection of its facilities. The college is led by Reza Saumtally, a Member of Parliament and director of OCEP College. The PSEA emphasized that the college's registration was done in accordance with regulations.
The PSEA highlighted that there is no minimum number of students required for the registration of a new school. However, subsidies will only be considered once the student population exceeds 150. The authority stressed that no subsidies have been disbursed to date. Forest-Side Secondary College operates from a separate section of the OCEP College building in Curepipe, with its own facilities, including laboratories, specialized rooms, and recreational areas.
The PSEA explained that the current arrangement is temporary, with plans to construct a new building on the same site in 2027. The new building will accommodate Forest-Side Secondary College, allowing it to operate independently. The college's manager will be responsible for paying teachers' salaries until the student population grows. The PSEA also mentioned that student admissions are strictly monitored to ensure eligibility and compliance with regulations.
The registration of Forest-Side Secondary College comes amid a broader restructuring of the private secondary education sector in Mauritius. Several colleges are set to close or merge, while three subsidized colleges will have their subsidies phased out. The Council of Ministers recently decided to end subsidies for St Bartholomew's College and Royal Holloway College, effective January 2027.
According to the Education Act, a school is defined as a group of ten students, and there is no minimum student requirement for registration. However, the PSEA has set a threshold of 150 students for subsidy disbursement, based on a 2003 decision that deemed a college with fewer than 150 students not economically viable.
The PSEA's statement aims to dispel confusion and misinformation surrounding the registration of Forest-Side Secondary College. The authority emphasized that the college's registration and operations are compliant with regulatory requirements. The PSEA will continue to monitor the college's progress, ensuring that it meets the necessary standards and criteria.
The Forest-Side Secondary College's registration is a significant development in Mauritius' education sector. The college's growth and operations will be closely watched, particularly in light of the upcoming changes to the private secondary education sector. The PSEA's clarification provides insight into the registration process and the requirements for subsidy disbursement.
Key points
- No subsidies have been disbursed to Forest-Side Secondary College to date.
- The college must have a student population of over 150 to be eligible for subsidies.
- A new building is planned for Forest-Side Secondary College in 2027.
