WITH the start of the new school year on the horizon, Dunrobin Christian Academy’s (DCA) Executive Director Karren Goulbourne is encouraged by the prospects for the year ahead, especially as the school enters a new era of leadership with a bold transformation plan.

Goulbourne recalls the days when the school, like many others in Jamaica, wrestled with scarce resources and the weight of social challenges. Yet, year after year, DCA’s students not only rose above, but excelled, as they secured overwhelming success in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations and cemented the institution’s reputation as a powerhouse of discipline and academic achievement.

In fact, Goulbourne beamed that their most recent results were 89 per cent passes with a majority of those students now heading to their first-choice secondary school.

“Our success comes from discipline, accountability, and community support. Our teachers don’t just prepare students for exams; they prepare them for life. Every child is given individualised support so that every child understands their strengths and areas for improvement, and parents are deeply engaged. That’s why Dunrobin has consistently outperformed expectations,” Goulbourne explained.

This consistency has now positioned the school to embark on its most ambitious chapter yet, one that involves a comprehensive transformation plan led by a new leadership team.

Goulbourne pointed out that Dr Collin Wolfe has been appointed principal, bringing international and local experience in advancing teaching standards and student achievement, while Dr Leo Gilling, a criminologist and philanthropist, takes on the dual role of chairman of the board and strategic education transformation director. In that capacity, Gilling will oversee governance and guide the school’s long-term vision, as Goulbourne transitions into her expanded role as executive director, where she will ensure day-to-day operations and stakeholder engagement.

At the heart of the transformation are sweeping initiatives such as elevating teaching and learning systems to meet international standards, strengthening student support and discipline structures, expanding technology integration and modern learning tools, introducing robust data and accountability frameworks, and building a strong culture of leadership and vision.

For Goulbourne, the plan signals an exciting leap forward.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to move from strong performance to true excellence. The transformation plan isn’t just about better test scores, it’s about creating a first-class academy where students are globally competitive while remaining grounded in Jamaican values,” she said.

“The chance to modernise our systems, upgrade teaching tools, and expand opportunities for students is incredibly energising for our team. This is why we are bringing the best of the best in Dr Collin Wolfe and Dr Leo Gilling. Their involvement will assure smooth and successful transformation,” Goulbourne added.

One of the challenges in any institutional shift is ensuring innovation does not erode the cultural DNA of the school, Goulbourne insists it is not a trade-off.

“We see innovation and tradition as partners, not competitors. The culture of discipline, respect, and faith that has defined Dunrobin will always remain at the core. What we’re doing is layering innovation on top of that foundation, introducing modern tools, new teaching strategies, and global best practices, while still holding on to the values that make DCA unique. It’s about evolution, not replacement,” Goulbourne noted.

While the PEP achievements may grab headlines, Goulbourne said behind the scenes lies a story of relentless effort. She revealed that teachers undergo continuous training, students’ progress is meticulously tracked, and structured discipline systems create a safe environment for learning.

“These unseen efforts will continue to create the foundation that makes our visible success possible and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Families are proud to be part of a school that produces not just high scores, but respectful, well-rounded children. That’s the true victory,” Goulbourne declared.

“But success is never a reason to stop growing, especially now as the demands of education are changing. Technology, global standards, and evolving student needs mean we can’t stand still. By acting now we safeguard our legacy while equipping students for the next 10 to 20 years of learning and leadership,” she stated.