Angella Chaplain (left), principal of Vauxhall High School in eastern Kingston, talks with her students on their return for the new school year yesterday. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

The first day of the academic school year saw parents making enquiries for a refund of tuition fees, while the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has asked parents to be patient.

Yesterday when The Gleaner visited several secondary schools in the Corporate Area, some parents were observed enquiring of school administrators as to when the refund would be granted.

At Clan Carthy High School in Kingston, one mother said she was at the institution to find out about the refund.

"Mi hear over the radio this morning (yesterday) that parents must get back them refund, so mi come to know what's happening," the mother said.

One of the promises made by the incoming JLP government was the abolishment of tuition fees up to the secondary level.

At the same time, former Opposition Spokesman on Education, Andrew Holness, told The Gleaner yesterday that while an exact time frame could not be given regarding the refund, the issue would be a priority when the JLP assumes office.