MoET Introduces Protocol and Programme Standards for School Leaving and Graduation Ceremonies

5 May 2026 | Press Release | By: Public Relations Unit

The Ministry of Education & Training (MoET) has introduced the School Leaving & Graduation Ceremony Protocol and Programme Standards for all Government schools, effective for the 2026 season. The Standards set requirements for programme structure, timing, protocol, and cultural expression across all Government schools.

Primary school ceremonies are expected to run approximately one to one-and-a-half hours, and high school ceremonies up to two hours. Each ceremony must include at least one element of Caymanian culture, whether through musical items, processional music by local composers, or event décor.

"Graduation day means everything to our young people and their families. These ceremonies should feel Caymanian: our music, our culture, our pride on full display. Every child in a Government school deserves that same experience, and that is exactly what these Standards deliver," said Hon. Rolston Anglin, Minister for Education & Training.

Award presentations will be streamlined, with certificates and subject awards presented by school leaders, the Minister, the Chief Officer, or the Director of Education Services. Sponsor contributions will be focused on the funding and presentation of special awards, while the Ministry will fund subject awards for all schools.

"Our school leaders work incredibly hard to make these ceremonies special for their students, and these Standards are here to support them," said Ms. Cetonya Cacho, Chief Officer, Ministry of Education & Training. "Providing every school with the same structure, resources, and guidance is exactly what peoplecentred public service looks like in practice, making sure that every family, regardless of where they live or which school their child attends, gets the same quality of experience," she added.

All principals and event leads will complete protocol training in May 2026. Standardised guidance materials have been shared with schools, and Ministry teams will provide support ahead of and during the 2026 ceremony season. Individual schools will communicate event-specific details directly with families and sponsors.

The School Leaving & Graduation Ceremony Protocol and Programme Standards are available online at gov.ky/education/publications.

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