A series of “engagement sessions” are being held across the island to explain to staff and students details of a schools shake-up.

The education minister, Diallo Rabain, said the meetings between the Education Reform Unit and parents and staff, which have been reported by The Royal Gazette, cover timings for the opening of all parish primary schools, closing of the remaining primary schools, the phasing-out of middle schools, introduction of new signature schools and the introduction of the signature exceptionalities and alternative programmes.

The announcement comes in the wake of criticism from parents affected by school closures in St George’s who complained about a lack of consultation.

Mr Rabain said: “This is a collaborative process, and the ministry and the Education Reform Unit are engaging in simultaneous staff and parent meetings across the island.

“These critical meetings aim to share the proposed timelines and gather questions and suggestions from staff and parents

“Once all meetings are completed, the Education Reform Unit will compile all of the questions and suggestions. Each school will be invited to a follow-up meeting.

“Throughout this process, the Department of Education will offer support and opportunities for staff and parents to share additional feedback.

“We are working diligently to ensure that all key stakeholders can engage in conversations about this topic before seeing it in the public domain. The media will be updated once all stakeholders have had the opportunity to engage with the proposed transition timeline.”

The ministry came under fire from parents in the East End after a meeting on Wednesday when it was announced all primary school students in St George’s would be temporarily moved to Whitney Institute Middle School.

Officials from the Ministry of Education said at a meeting at East End Primary School that St David’s Primary School and St George’s Preparatory School will close in June 2024 as part of education reform plans.

The minister did not answer several questions from this newspaper in relation to education reform, including those about the budget for the changes, student numbers and claims of lack of consultation on the announcements being made by parents.

The minister also did not answer a question about why he was not present at Wednesday’s meeting where parents voiced anger about the planned move.