Education Ministry chides Ascot Primary over graduation blunder

The management of Ascot Primary School in Portmore, St Catherine has come under fire from the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information following reports that students who were not ‘proficient’ in the 2026 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations were denied the opportunity to wear graduation gowns and were subjected to differential treatment during the school's graduation ceremony.

In a release on Sunday, the ministry denounced the actions of the school’s leadership, describing the reported conduct as inappropriate, and contrary to the principles of equity, inclusion and positive discipline. It stated that the actions were inconsistent with the standards of care expected for children, especially at the age of 11 or 12.

Chief Education Officer (Acting) Terry Ann Thomas-Gayle said the ministry had engaged principal Mark Jackson, who provided an explanation for the situation. Jackson said the school had taken the position following a meeting with parents of the graduating students, who agreed to the approach.

However, the decision appears not to have been well received by some parents, at least one of whom reportedly withdrew their child from the ceremony.

“The exclusion of students from wearing graduation gowns on the basis of academic performance was not intended to cause public humiliation as this is fundamentally inconsistent with the values and principles of our school. It was an agreed position following a meeting with the parents, especially for those who did not meet the criteria to participate in the graduation exercise. Upon reflection, Mr Jackson has expressed regret for the unintended outcomes as espoused in his own words, ‘where any of my students have been wounded or scarred, I am woefully sorry and wholeheartedly apologise for this unintended outcome’,” Thomas-Gayle said.

She expressed disappointment in the decision by the school’s leadership and reiterated that graduation ceremonies should celebrate every child's completion of primary education.

“Graduation ceremonies are intended to celebrate the completion of a significant stage in a child's educational journey and should never be used as a platform for public differentiation, stigmatisation or punishment. Our principals must remember this, even as they have to take tough decisions to ensure compliance with established standards.”

A relative of a child who graduated wearing a gown said those who were dissatisfied were mainly parents of children who did not meet the PEP standards.

“My niece tell me say the children give trouble at school, and now the parents giving trouble at graduation. I bet you from some of these children come to school, the school never see them again until graduation,” he said, adding that the situation was making the school “look bad, for something that should motivate the others”.

Education Minister Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon said every child deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of examination outcomes.

“Every child matters. A student's PEP results must never determine whether he or she is made to feel worthy of celebrating an important educational milestone. Further, the secondary pathways recorded on the PEP reports are designed to inform the development of the learning plan for the students so that they can improve on their learning journey,” the minister was quoted saying. 

“Every child is different and should be supported as per their differences to enable them to shine and thrive. This unfortunate turn of events should be a teachable moment for all educators and stakeholders who must always make decisions in the best interest of the learners.”

Morris Dixon added that Jamaica's education system must continue to foster hope and opportunity for every learner.

“Our schools must be places where children are encouraged to strive for excellence while knowing they are valued, respected and supported. No child should experience humiliation, exclusion or discrimination in an institution entrusted with nurturing their development. We expect every school leader to uphold the highest standards of compassion, fairness and inclusion.”

Morris Dixon said the ministry would not condone practices that undermine students' emotional well-being or violate their right to equitable treatment. She reminded school boards and administrators that the Child Care and Protection Act (2004) requires that the best interests of the child remain the primary consideration in all actions affecting children. In addition, the Education Regulations (1980) require school leaders to safeguard the welfare of students and conduct the affairs of schools in a manner that promotes their best interests.

The ministry said it remained steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that every child in Jamaica is afforded an education that inspires confidence, nurtures potential and promotes belonging.

erica.virtue@gleanerjm.com