Princess Margaret School

Did Princess Margaret ever imagine her name would grace a school bustling with future prime ministers and Olympic athletes? Here at Princess Margaret School, the energy is palpable. This isn’t just any school. This is Antigua’s first public secondary school, a beacon of education established in 1955 and personally opened by Princess Margaret herself. Princess Margaret School was the brainchild of visionaries like Percy Gordon, an education officer who dreamt of a school where potential wasn’t limited by socioeconomic background. His own experience of being denied entry to Antigua Grammar School fueled his determination to create an inclusive institution. Princess Margaret School opened its doors to 350 students under Headmaster Christopher O’Marde. The original campus boasted an administration block, an auditorium, numerous classrooms, science labs, a business block, a library, a home economics center, and an industrial arts center. The school quickly made its mark. Sylvia Walker made history as the first student to pass the G.C.E. exams, while Everette Lake was the first to receive a school certificate. The Princess Margaret School continued to evolve. In 1968, Headmaster Basil Peters introduced sports houses, initially Green, Yellow, and Blue, with Red added later. The uniform changed in 1972 to a grey A-line skirt and pink blouse for girls, and grey pants and a white shirt jack for boys. Graduation ceremonies began in 1974 under Headmaster Clarence Edwards, with Sharon Knight as the first valedictorian. Princess Margaret School also pioneered the Agricultural Science program in 1985 under Headmaster Vincent Benjamin, who also introduced Information Technology to the curriculum. Under Dr. Colin Greene’s leadership (2002-present), Physical Education, Music, and Theatre Arts were added. This school is a powerhouse of athletic talent, with students excelling at national, regional, and international levels. Dwayne Fleming’s gold medal in the Under-19 100 meters at the 2022 Carifta Games and Alyssa Dyett’s bronze in the Triple Jump are testaments to the school’s sporting prowess. More recently, Gerilin Barnes took gold in the Under-17 long jump at the 2023 Carifta Games. Princess Margaret School’s campus has seen significant upgrades. A new staffroom, classrooms, and labs were added in 2002. A state-of-the-art Home Economics Centre was built in 2017. A new administrative block followed in 2019, replacing the one lost to a fire in 2018. From Prime Minister Gaston Browne to former Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, Princess Margaret School has shaped the lives of countless individuals who contribute to Antigua and Barbuda. The school’s motto, “The World is in need of Good Men and Women,” resonates strongly here. It’s a testament to the school’s enduring legacy of nurturing talent and shaping future leaders.