Minister of Basic Education Orders Schools to Stop Illegal Report Card Fees

The Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey warned schools nationwide to stop illegal report card charges immediately; report cards remain every pupil’s right.

The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education said it had received reports that some schools were demanding money from parents and guardians before releasing end-of-term report cards. It described the practice as illegal, unacceptable and contrary to the government’s Free Quality School Education policy.

The minister said no school, teacher or education official has the authority to demand payment for report cards. He stressed that access to pupils’ academic records must never depend on unauthorized fees.

The ministry advised parents and guardians facing such demands to request official receipts for any payment sought and to report the matter immediately. It said any demand outside approved ministry guidelines should be treated as a serious violation.

Complaints can be made through the ministry’s toll-free line, 8060, or directly to senior ministry officials, it said. The ministry added that every report would be investigated and that disciplinary action would be taken against any school or individual found responsible.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to removing illegal financial barriers to education and called on parents, guardians, teachers, school administrators and other stakeholders to protect the integrity of Sierra Leone’s education system.

The ministry also urged parents and guardians who have already made unauthorized payments for report cards to report the matter with supporting evidence so appropriate action can be taken.