Minister of Education El James during a press conference yesterday. Photo by Mark Tatem

Cost-cutting is not the main reason behind a possible restructuring of schools improving student outcomes is, according to Education Minister Elvin James.

The Royal Gazette revealed on Wednesday that in proposals being examined by the Ministry of Education, five schools — East End, Prospect Primary, Gilbert Institute, Heron Bay and Dalton E. Tucker — could be consolidated as early as September.

Other options include adding a year to primary school and senior school by doing away with middle school.

Additional schools for sports, technology, hospitality, business and gifted and talented students is also being considered.

Mr James had said cost-cutting was a reason for the possible changes, but yesterday he said: "Let me make it clear that our top priority in education is to provide our students with the best facilities and the best teachers so that our students can achieve the best results.

"The cost of the system was not the primary consideration in developing the proposals to consolidate the schools. Our first consideration is for student outcomes.

"Let me also say that there is no intention to build any additional schools. I'm not sure where that idea came from, but it did not originate in my office and it is not one of our options. However, at this point we have to look at all of our options."

Mr. James said he has asked his staff to "review the current structure and to come up with alternatives".

"I asked them to look at the class size. I asked them to look at the middle schools system and I asked that they consider the consolidation of smaller schools. However, I also asked them to look at enhancing the current system. I wanted them to look at turning some of the middle schools into senior schools.

"I also asked that they look at providing students with difference pathways to success via a sports academy, a schools of technology and the arts and a school for hospitality and business."

Asked where these schools would go, the Minister said: "We would find a place if there was a building available. We would use it for that purpose. The sports academy is one that's been floating around for some time. It would be P4 to 12 and it would identify our elite athletes. We would still address academics. We want to offer something to every young person on the Island regardless what their talent might be."

Mr. James said the Ministry is also looking at the preschool system and contemplating using some of the primary schools as expanded and enhancing preschools.

He also stressed the proposals are at a preliminary stage and no final decisions have been made.

The Minister will be meeting with principals on Monday to discuss the possible changes in order to get feedback from them.

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