Anguilla is an internally self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom consisting of the main island of Anguilla and an entourage of much smaller islands with no permanent population. It is a parliamentary, representative, democratic dependency whose Governor is head of state and is also responsible for education, while the Chief Minister is the head of government and holds executive power. Legislative power is held by the government and the House of Assembly. Responsibility for military defence lies with the United Kingdom. The 11-seat unicameral House of Assembly has 7 members elected by direct popular vote, 2 ex officio members and 2 who are appointed. All members serve 5-year terms of office.

Elections held in 2005 saw the United Front win 4 seats to retain power. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature and is independent in practice. Reports do not cite problems with lack of transparency or with impunity.

The Education Development Plan (EDP) for 2005-10, which has been adopted by the government, defines priorities in education and provides strategic direction for 5 years. Almost 15% of the budget is spent on education, which is free and compulsory for ages 5 to 14. Some 37% of eligible students are enrolled in non-compulsory Grades 11 to 13. Private early childhood education is subsidised by the government. A commitment to improve teacher training is a central platform of Anguilla's EDP.

A 2-year programme begins at age 3. At this level 52% of education is private. The Net Enrolment Rate (NER) is 91%. All 38 teachers working at this level are women. The pupil/teacher ratio (PTR) is 13 : 1.

Education is compulsory for ages 5 to 14. Primary school begins at age 5 and continues for 7 years. At this level 11% of education is private. The NER is 88% (50% female). 22% of students repeat grades. 100 teachers (90% female) work at this level, and 67% of them are trained. The PTR is 14 : 1.

Secondary education begins at age 12 and is completed in 7 years. 15% of students in upper secondary education study in technical vocational programmes. The NER is 93%. There are 72 secondary teachers (71% female), of whom 60% are trained. The PTR is 16 : 1 in secondary education.

For tertiary education Anguilla relies on campuses affiliated to the University of the West Indies situated in neighbouring countries. 76 Anguillan students study abroad, in the USA (62), the UK (13) and Cuba (1).

Information on the education of special needs children is limited and is not up to date. A presentation by United Kingdom to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in 2000 noted that services are difficult to provide since the population of Anguilla is sparse.

No information is available on the UNHCR website concerning Anguilla.

72% of the population is Anguillan, while small but growing minorities of the non-Anguillan population are citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, St Kitts & Nevis, the Dominican Republic or Jamaica. A number of Rastafarians live on the island and practise their religion freely.

There are no tertiary level institutions on Anguilla

Gender issues are an area that needs consideration in Anguilla. Substantial wage differentials across all occupation categories exist, and there is a problem with domestic violence. Gender issues play a significant role in educational attainment and poverty levels across the country.

The main economic activities are tourism and offshore finance. The administration is addressing the number of students who drop out of school before completing their primary education.

Although Anguilla has assumed a substantial measure of responsibility for the conduct of its own affairs, it does not ratify international instruments. Britain encourages its Overseas Territories to conform to international instruments to which it is a party.