Palabek Secondary School was founded by the community of Palabek as a parents’ school with the aim of expanding access to secondary education for the young people of the area. The community identified three possible sites for the school, and after careful consideration, the current location at Lakwar Village, Patanga Parish was selected.
At the time, Palabek Gem and Palabek Ogili were under the larger Palabek Kal Sub-County in Lamwo County.The school opened its doors in 1982 with its first Senior One class operating from Dicwinyi Primary School. During the period of insecurity caused by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency in Northern Uganda, the school was displaced from its original location.
It temporarily operated from Kitgum High School and later from Kitgum Ginnery before relocating to the Palabek Kal Sub-County Community Hall in 1998/1999.As peace gradually returned to the region, Palabek Secondary School was able to establish itself permanently at its current site in Lakwar Village in 2006. Since then, the school has continued to grow and develop, supported by the Government of Uganda, parents, development partners, and the local community.
Over the years, the school has become a leading educational institution in Palabek County, offering both Ordinary Level (UCE) and Advanced Level (UACE) education. The institution has remained committed to providing quality education, promoting discipline, encouraging peace building, and preparing responsible future leaders and citizens.The leadership of the school has played a significant role in its growth and transformation.
The school has been served by several dedicated head teachers, including Opiyo Otunu, Owot Paul, Odur Artillery (1994–1998), Obwona Oyamoi (March–July 1998), Otwona Saverio (1998–2013), Onyiya Calistus Nyeko (2013–2018), and the current Head Teacher, Mr. Peter Olaa, who has served since 2019.Today, Palabek Secondary School stands as a symbol of resilience, community commitment, and educational excellence in Lamwo District, continuing to empower learners through quality education and holistic development.
