Education and Schools in the Cayman Islands

The education system in the Cayman Islands is generally of an excellent standard. Education is compulsory from ages 5 to 17 for all children living on the islands. There is a high demand for places in both public and private schools, so it’s important to apply for registration as far in advance as possible.

All schools in the Cayman Islands are assessed every two years by the Office of Education Standards (OES) on a scale from ‘weak’ to ‘excellent’. Schools rated as ‘weak’ undergo reassessment within six months. You can check school ratings on the OES website.

Public schools in the Cayman Islands

Public schools in the Cayman Islands follow the British education model and are taught in English. This makes transitioning easier if your child is not already fluent in English.

Government school placements are determined by priority rankings. If your child is Caymanian, they are guaranteed a spot. The next priority goes to children of government employees, followed by permanent residents, before spaces are made available to other applicants.

Public education is free for Caymanian students up to Year 12. If you are not a permanent resident, you will need to pay school fees, although these are significantly lower than private school tuition. To qualify for free public education, you must provide proof of Caymanian status and residency and complete the necessary enrolment forms at your designated school.

Useful links

• Department of Education Services
• Office of Education Standards (OES)

Private and international schools in the Cayman Islands

Private and international schools in the Cayman Islands offer diverse curricula, including the British Curriculum (IGCSE, A-Levels), International Baccalaureate (IB), and American systems (SAT, AP). Some faith-based institutions follow Christian-based curricula. Most of these schools are located in George Town on Grand Cayman.

Although private schools are available across all three islands, space is limited, and waiting lists are common. If you’re considering private education, apply as early as possible.

Admission requirements vary by school but typically include an application form and fee, previous academic records, entrance assessments or interviews, and proof of residency or work permit (if applicable).

Best International Schools in the Cayman Islands

Homeschooling in the Cayman Islands

Homeschooling in the Cayman Islands is legally recognised but requires Department of Education Services approval. To homeschool your child, you must submit an Individualised Home School Plan (IHSP) detailing the curriculum, teaching methods, and assessment plans. Applications are made online, and approval is usually granted within 10 days.

Many families choose to homeschool for personalised learning, religious or cultural reasons, or to accommodate travel and alternative education styles. Homeschool Cayman is an excellent resource for information and support.

Useful links

• Homeschool Cayman

Special-needs education in the Cayman Islands

Special-needs education in the Cayman Islands is integrated into mainstream schools as much as possible. If your child requires more specialised support, they may be eligible to attend the Lighthouse School, a government-funded institution for students aged 5 to 17 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), moderate learning difficulties (MLD), severe learning difficulties (SLD), or profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).

Private schools also offer varying levels of special-needs support, including Individualised Education Plans (IEPs), specialist teachers, and therapy services for conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety disorders.

Useful links

• Lighthouse School

Tutors in the Cayman Islands

Private tutoring in the Cayman Islands is a popular option for students needing extra support in core subjects such as maths, science, and English. Tutors can also help with standardised test preparation for IGCSE, A-Level, IB, SAT, and ACT exams.

Tutoring costs vary depending on the subject and tutor qualifications. Common payment structures include hourly rates, monthly packages, and discounted group sessions.

Some of the top tutoring services include:

• Ceibo Tutoring Cayman
• Cayman Learning Centre
• IRead for Life
• CIFEC (Cayman Islands Further Education Centre)