CTC Probes School Over Alleged ‘Buy-to-Enrol’ Scheme
The Competition and Tariff Commission (CTC) has launched a formal investigation into Queen Elizabeth School following allegations that the institution is compelling parents to purchase school uniforms and textbooks from specific suppliers as a condition for student enrolment.
The probe, initiated under Section 28 of the Competition Act [Chapter 14:28], seeks to determine whether the school’s conduct is anti-competitive and exploitative, particularly for families seeking Form One and Form Five placements.
According to a Government Gazette published last Friday, the school allegedly engaged in exclusive dealing by directing parents to buy school items only from Giplic Fashions (Scott Adams) and Gramsol Publishing.
“It is alleged that Queen Elizabeth School engaged in exclusive dealing in the production, selling, distribution of school uniforms and textbooks to prospective Form One and Form Five learners during enrolment.
“It is further alleged that before confirmation of admission, one should purchase uniforms or textbooks from the school, or the preferred suppliers,” reads the notice.
The Commission expressed concern that such practices may unfairly restrict consumer choice, shut out other suppliers, and create monopolistic conditions that burden parents financially.
Some parents, including tailors, have voiced outrage, saying they are capable of producing better-quality uniforms themselves.
Others complained about poor product standards and inflated prices from the designated suppliers, describing the arrangement as exploitative and unnecessary.
The Herald reported that parents have long questioned why schools are allowed to dictate where uniforms and books must be purchased, especially when the products offered are substandard.
The Commission warned that if such practices are allowed to persist, they could “create barriers to entry or foreclose other suppliers in the relevant market and lead to exploitation of parents and learners.”
It emphasized that the investigation does not imply guilt but is meant to establish whether the conduct violates provisions of the Competition Act.
In accordance with Section 28 of the Act, the Commission stated that it will carry out a full investigation to determine whether the alleged practices directly or indirectly restrict competition.
It also called on all affected stakeholders and members of the public to submit written representations within 14 days of the notice’s publication, detailing how they have been impacted by the issue under investigation.
The outcome of this probe could have far-reaching implications for procurement policies across the education sector, particularly in boarding schools where exclusive supplier arrangements have reportedly become widespread.
The Commission says it is committed to restoring fairness, protecting parents from exploitative enrolment conditions, and ensuring that no school uses admission as leverage for commercial gain.
