ST. Margaret's Secondary School will become an Autonomous School from January 2009 after it was found to have met the selection criteria.

The Education Ministry, in a statement on Tuesday, said the school has a well-rounded education programme and a good system in place to achieve the Desired Outcomes of Education. The school has also consistently attained and showed ability to sustain good achievements in academic and co-curricular areas.

It is also well regarded and enjoys strong parental and community support and public recognition.

Autonomous Schools were established in 1994 to provide pupils with quality education through being given greater autonomy in school management.

These schools give parents more options in the choice of quality schools for their children.

Autonomous Schools are given additional funding and flexibility to develop a holistic education that stretches each pupil to his fullest potential.

Their students thus benefit from innovative curriculam, as well as a varied range of enrichment programmes.

There are currently 26 Autonomous Schools.