Prospect College in St Mary is unique for a number of reasons.

It is a semi-military institution which has been providing high school education to boys from across Jamaica for the last 60 years, at no cost to these boys or their parents.

Students who attend the institution which was started by Sir Harold Mitchell in 1956 are provided with full scholarships.

Headmaster of Prospect College, Gregory Wint, told Observer North & East that Mitchell, a former British parliamentarian, started the school as a way of giving to Jamaica.

“He came to Jamaica, fell in love with the island and its people, and wanted to make a special contribution to Jamaica’s development though education,” Wint revealed.

“His vision was to inculcate in young men strong discipline, as he saw discipline as a major prerequisite for proper education and development,” he continued.

As a result of the generosity of Mitchell, parents of students attending Prospect College are not required to make any payments.

The financial stability of Prospect College has continued even after the passing of Mitchell, as his descendants are continuing his philanthropic vision. Mitchell’s son-in-law Peter Green and his grandsons Andrew and Alexander Green now ensure that Mitchell’s vision is kept and enhanced.

“Peter Green, Andrew Green and Alexander Green have remained fully committed to providing full scholarships to the young men here at the college,” Wint, who is referred to as headmaster by the students at the institution said.

Throughout his interview with Observer North & East, headmaster Wint kept referring to the uniqueness of the school he leads.

“It is indeed a very unique educational institution as all our students are cadets. The curriculum goes beyond the mere academic subjects as Prospect College ensures the wholesome development of all the boys who are entrusted in our care.

“Additionally, our residential facility which provides free boarding facility to all students allows students to undertake other duties outside of the classroom, giving them practical experience in some subject areas.

“They (the students) are up at 4:45 am when they engage in physical training. Subsequent to that they ensure their barrack rooms are kept clean.

“Each cadet is given a morning duty that must be carried out” Wint said. The duties must be completed by 7:00 am when they have breakfast. The housemaster, who is a former military person inspects the students at 7:30 am.”

This inspection is to ensure proper deportment of the cadets, who are given a semi-military experience at the institution. The institution also uses army terminology, Wint said, while further informing that students gather for school at 8:00 am and have classes up to 5:00 pm.

“Our students are taught subjects which are offered at other high schools in Jamaica, subjects which are offered at the CSEC (Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate) level.

“There is a prep session at 7:00 pm, when the students are supervised by a teacher. This session is used to get assignments done and for studying.

“This programme enables their success; it builds their discipline and we have been seeing the results.

“Prospect College has been getting good results in external examinations. Last year there was 100 per cent pass success in mathematics, information technology, principles of business and integrated science.

“The cadets also do very well in english language. These external examinations are also paid for by the school and not the students,” a beaming headmaster Wint said.

While the students are strongly focus on academics and discipline, they are also allowed time for recreation. The school has a basketball court which is also used for volley ball.

With its high level of discipline and academic success, the small, St Mary institution is sort after by parents in and around the parish. Entry into Prospect is very competitive, as only 36 cadets can be accepted at any time. As a result, prospective students have to do an entrance test and are then selected based on the results. Prospect College has three grades, Grades 9-11.

“It is very competitive because it is small. It is really a privilege to be a part of the college,” headmaster Wint said.

Continuing on the all-round nature of the college, Wint said: “We have an excellent marching band that is very popular. All our students learn to play a musical instrument by the time they leave the institution because music is an important part of the school’s curriculum.

Many of our graduates have gone on to do exceptionally well in society. These graduates tell us that what has made them successful is the programme at the college,” a very proud Wint said.

Wint, who lives and breathes Prospect College, was firm in his conviction that the school is one of the finest educational institutions in Jamaica.

“Prospect College is one of the finest educational institutions in Jamaica in terms of its wholesome curriculum that it provides with a strong focus on discipline; a strong focus on teaching young men to be responsible, and an environment conducive to meaningful learning,” he said.

The school also assists its students in transitioning from the institution into regular society. At the end of their studies, students are assisted in getting their passports, TRN cards, driver’s license and other important documents at no cost to them. The students are also assists with job and college applications.

“We are very fortunate to have this opportunity to provide this educational opportunity for our students…this is the best gift they (the Mitchell Green Foundation) could have given Jamaica for the development of our young men.