Guyana’s education system is undergoing one of its most visible transformations since the start of the oil era.
Rising public revenues generated from production activities in the ExxonMobil-operated Stabroek Block have supported increased investment in education infrastructure, with new schools built, existing facilities upgraded and classroom capacity expanded to address challenges such as overcrowding, limited access and reliance on ‘primary tops’, where primary schools also accommodate secondary-level students in communities without dedicated secondary schools or the specialized facilities they require.
Rising public revenues generated from production activities in the ExxonMobil-operated Stabroek Block have supported increased investment in education infrastructure, with new schools built, existing facilities upgraded and classroom capacity expanded to address challenges such as overcrowding, limited access and reliance on primary-tops—primary schools that also accommodate secondary-level students in communities without dedicated secondary facilities and specialised infrastructure.
Between 2020 and 2026, Guyana completed and/or substantially upgraded 271 schools nationwide, including 133 new schools and 138 rehabilitation or expansion projects. The program included 33 new secondary schools and major rehabilitation works at another 32 secondary schools, according to the Ministry of Education.
The sum of approximately US$324.7 million (GY$67.7 billion) was spent or budgeted for during the period, with an additional US$116.5 million (GY$24.3 billion) allocated in 2026 to complete more than 40 additional schools.
The new schools differ markedly from many of the facilities they replace. Rather than simply adding classroom space, many of the new structures are introducing facilities that were unavailable or limited in older secondary schools.
Technical and vocational education is also expanding. Schools such as the US$3.79 million (GY$791 million) Yarrowkabra Secondary along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway include Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) facilities and industrial technology laboratories, giving students opportunities to develop practical skills alongside academic subjects.
Digital learning is also becoming more integrated, with information and communications technology (ICT) laboratories, smart classrooms and research centers providing students with greater access to technology and digital resources.
Upgrading existing schools
Brickdam Secondary reopened in 2025 following a US$3.36 million (GY$700 million) reconstruction project that replaced the former St. Mary’s High School building, which was declared unsafe in 2016 due to deteriorating infrastructure. Students had spent several years at East La Penitence Primary School while awaiting a new facility. The rebuilt facility now includes 22 classrooms, science laboratories, an information technology (IT) laboratory, industrial technology facilities, home economics rooms, an auditorium, counselling room and modern fire safety systems.
North Ruimveldt Secondary underwent reconstruction after a 2021 fire destroyed large sections of the school, including its science laboratories, IT laboratory, library, technical drawing room, staff room and Guyana’s first smart classroom (a modern learning environment that integrates digital technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences).
Before reconstruction, annual intake fell from about 150 students to roughly 50, with many students relocating to other schools. The rebuilt campus restores those facilities and increases capacity to approximately 500 students.
Other expansion projects address pressure created by rising enrolment following the return to face-to-face learning after the COVID-19 pandemic. At East Ruimveldt Secondary, a US$825,000 (GY$172 million) Grade Seven block added 10 classrooms, administrative offices, sanitary facilities and air-conditioned classrooms, creating space for approximately 300 students. Queen’s College, The Bishops’ High School, St. Rose’s High School and St. Winifred’s also received additional classroom blocks under a combined project valued at more than US$4.66 million (GY$971 million).
The investment comes as Guyana prepares more students for higher education and the workforce needs emerging from the expanding oil and gas sector.
In May, the University of Guyana reported enrolment of approximately 16,000 students, supported by free tuition and growing interest in programs linked to engineering, science and technology.
The university has also expanded programs with industry partners, including ExxonMobil Guyana through the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI), a 10-year, US$100 million program that is helping to develop science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, scholarships, research opportunities, faculty development and other initiatives focused on strengthening Guyana’s future workforce.
