Public spending on education was 9.3% of GDP in 2005. There are 12 years of compulsory education starting at age five, offered by state, private and church schools. Net enrolment ratios are 93% for primary and 86% for secondary, and gross enrolment ratio for all levels combined 73% (2005). The pupil–teacher ratio for primary is 17:1 and for secondary 10:1 (2005). The school year starts in September.

The Caribbean Examinations Council, established in 1972 by an agreement among 15 English-speaking Commonwealth Caribbean countries and territories, provides examinations and certification at secondary and post-secondary levels. The Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examination is for students at the end of the secondary education cycle; the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations for post-secondary students entering the world of work and for those candidates who wish to continue their further education at the tertiary level.

St Kitts and Nevis participates in the regional University of the West Indies, which has campuses in Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.

In the wider community, which already enjoys a very high level of literacy, the government promotes programmes to improve literacy. It has also launched an initiative to promote ICT skills in rural areas.