PEP dream, pricey reality! Mum hit with $67K school bill from Kingston College

The joy of seeing her child earn a place at Kingston College through the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) has quickly turned into panic for one struggling mother, who says she's now staring at more than $67,500 in school-related expenses before the new academic year even begins.

The security guard, who asked not to be identified to protect her family's privacy, told THE STAR that while she was overjoyed by her child's achievement, the excitement faded after she received Kingston College's fee schedule showing charges totalling $43,500.

The fee breakdown includes charges for general maintenance, maintenance of computer labs, security, curriculum support, internet, insurance and PTA dues, as well as an $8,500 contribution to the Kingston College Development Trust Fund, bringing the grand total to $43,500.

Her financial burden has been made even heavier because the same child is due to attend summer school this month at a cost of $24,000. At the same time, she is also preparing her daughter, who already attends high school, for external examinations.

"I don't know how I'm going to manage it," the mother said.

She explained that the combined $67,500 in school and summer school fees is only the beginning of what she expects to spend before classes resume in September.

"I haven't even started on the book list yet," she lamented, noting that she still has to purchase textbooks, uniforms and other school supplies, while also finding money for transportation and lunch.

The issue has also sparked debate online, with Member of Parliament and Government Minister Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn questioning some of the charges being passed on to parents.

Responding to the fee schedule on X, Cuthbert-Flynn wrote:

"This is telling. The children soon start paying electricity bills for the school. What do they do with the $35,000 x 800-1,000 students? I am very curious."

In another post, she questioned whether some of the listed expenses should already be covered by the Government.

"I thought the Ministry pays for internet and maintenance etc."

Her comments came days after the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information reminded schools that students must not be denied access to education because of an inability to pay registration or other school-related fees.

In an advisory issued on June 30, the ministry urged school administrators to keep registration costs to a minimum and to make reasonable payment arrangements for families facing financial hardship.

The ministry also stressed that participation in summer school must not be made a condition for registration following PEP placement and encouraged schools to consider payment plans, fee waivers, alumni support and other forms of assistance for parents experiencing financial difficulties.

For the security guard, however, those discussions offer little immediate comfort.

She said her focus is simply finding enough money to ensure both of her children are ready for school when the new academic year begins.

"Every parent wants the best for their child, but it's getting harder and harder to afford it."

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