KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Thousands of students, who just missed the pass mark in Mathematics and English A in the 2015 Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) tests will benefit from assistance to improve their grades.

The Ministry of Education announced on Thursday that it will be setting up special support centres across the island to provide support for students, who achieved grade four in the subjects. Between 10,000 and 15,000 students will be accommodated at these centres.

 “We call them on-the-cusp students. We are saying, since you come so near, we are devising a programme (for you),” Portfolio Minister Rev Ronald Thwaites said at a press conference at the ministry’s head office.

Each centre will receive support from three to four teachers from the public education system with a proven track record of success. The programme will also engage retired teachers, as well as members of the national mathematics and literacy teams.

“We have never done it before but its part of the zeal that everyone must get the chance to perfect their educational opportunity as far as they are able,” Rev Thwaites said.

He said the programme, to be kicked off before the end of September, is being devised with the view that students will be able to re-sit the examinations in January 2016.

Regional directors will work closely with principals in their region to identify and direct targeted students to the support centres for registration and access to the schedule of classes.

The use of print, electronic and social media, where applicable, will be used to enhance class activities.