The group, which already has 11 educational institutions, is slated to open Hydel University College in September.

Registration of students at the new institution is to begin on April 1 and the founder and president of the Hydel Group, Senator Hyacinth Bennett, says the institution is looking forward to a good turnout on that day.

Initially, the new addition to the Hydel Group of Schools will accommodate 300 students .

It will offer degree- and diploma-level training in early childhood and primary education on both a part-time and full-time basis.

According to Bennett, the programmes to be offered by the Hydel University College will be geared towards pre-trained teachers already on the job; young people who are considering becoming teachers, as well as trained teachers, who already have a diploma, but desire an upgrade to the bachelor's degree in education.

Bennett said students of the college would be exposed to training offered by highly qualified and experienced lecturers, led by two of the island's outstanding educators, Kay Anderson, retired vice-principal of academic affairs and student matters at Mico University College, and Dr Burnett St Clair Burton, former vice-president of Mico University College.