Shrinking numbers, growing fears at Bustamante High

BUSTAMANTE High School is fighting to keep its gates open as the institution grapples with a dramatic decline in its student population, falling from an average of 1,000 pupils five years ago to around 400 in recent days.

School Principal Wayne Evans said the sharp decline is due to a combination of factors such as low admission rates and socio-economic challenges that see students leaving school before completing their educational requirements because of financial issues at home, with some opting to seek employment to help support their families.

He said approximately 60 per cent of the school’s population are from single-parent households headed by mothers, and so in many instances the students drop out or are not consistent with class attendance because they have to become providers.