ROSE HALL, St James — As students prepare for the new academic starting next month, parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Education, Senator Marlon Morgan is reminding school administrators not to lock students out for breaches of uniform and grooming standards.

“I just want to remind each school leader of the Government’s directive: If a child presents at school, presents for instruction, and is in some way in violation of a school rule — for example, the grooming standards or the uniform — do not have the student locked out of the school,” stated Morgan.

He was addressing the Region 4 Principals’ Leadership Conference and Appreciation Luncheon 2026, held at Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James on Thursday.

“The direction from the ministry is for the child to be admitted and appropriate punishment or remedy administered within the context of the school,” stated Morgan as he highlighted the responsibilities of school administrators.

“We have an obligation to attend to and cater to the well-being of our children, and we do not want them to come into harm’s way or be susceptible to the vagaries of the elements outside of the school gate,” he stressed.

“If they are in violation of the school rules in terms of uniform or whatever, ensure that you admit them. Whether you are going to place them in a particular space, whatever the arrangement or situation is, administer the discipline within the confines and context of the school,” urged the senator.

His reminder comes ahead of the much-anticipated roll-out of a National Student Dress and Grooming Policy.

Addressing the Jamaica Teachers’ Association 62nd annual conference in Trelawny last week, Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon revealed that the new policy will require schools to have written grooming standards, clearly outline sanctions for breaches, apply rules consistently, and ensure that parents are fully informed. She did not provide a date by which it would be available.