THE leadership of the all-boys Jamaica College (JC) has announced a series of measures aimed at enhancing student safety and addressing recent concerns surrounding incidents of bullying and violence.

In a media release on Wednesday, JC said this forms part of its continued commitment to student development and institutional excellence.

The school said the new measures build on its long-standing efforts to provide a structured, disciplined, and supportive environment for its students.

JC has figured prominently in the headlines in recent times for positive and negative activities.

The school captured the Mortimer Geddes Trophy as boys’ champion at the 2026 Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships in March and, days later, broke a 39-year drought by capturing the 2026 TVJ Schools’ Challenge Quiz championship title.

But, amidst the celebrations, the school was under scrutiny as news broke about a March 24 incident in which one student was left nursing injuries and another arrested on assault charges.

Then a now-viral video emerged showing two students assaulting a schoolmate. One boy has been arrested and charged in connection with that incident.

“Jamaica College has consistently invested in programmes that support discipline, mentorship, and the overall development of our young men. While these efforts continue to have a positive impact, we recognise that even isolated incidents must be addressed decisively,” said Principal Wayne Robinson in the media release.

“This next phase is about strengthening what we already do well, while introducing additional layers of support and accountability to ensure every student feels safe and supported,” added Robinson.

According to Robinson, among the key measures being implemented is strengthened security and surveillance at the Old Hope Road, St Andrew based school.

“Jamaica College will undertake a comprehensive security audit of its campus, led by external experts, to assess vulnerabilities and implement an enhanced security framework. This will include upgraded monitoring systems, improved on-campus presence, and preventative alert mechanisms designed to deter and respond to incidents,” the release said.

In addition, the school is to embark on a Values and Behavioural Development Programme. This will be rolled out across all grades and should build on its emphasis on character development.

“This will be carefully integrated to support students at all stages, including those preparing for examinations,” the school added.

“The school will expand its parent engagement efforts through a structured programme in collaboration with national parent bodies, strengthening communication, accountability, and partnership across all year groups.

“Jamaica College will further strengthen its internal support framework, including the offices of the Dean of Discipline and Dean of Student Affairs. Existing mentorship and rehabilitation programmes will also be expanded, alongside peer counselling initiatives aimed at early intervention and positive behaviour reinforcement.

“The institution will engage specialists in adolescent behaviour and violence prevention to support staff training and student-focused interventions, ensuring a proactive, evidence-based approach,” the school added.

Robinson emphasised that these measures are part of the school’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, building on long-standing investments in discipline, mentorship, and student development.

“These actions further strengthen a culture of accountability, respect, and positive behaviour, ensuring the school continues to provide a safe and supportive environment for all students,” said Robinson.

In the meantime, chairman of the JC Board Lance Hylton said, “We have always taken a proactive approach to student development, including mentorship, counselling, and rehabilitation initiatives that have positively impacted many of our students over the years.

“These additional measures reflect our commitment to strengthening our systems even further and ensuring that Jamaica College remains a safe, disciplined, and nurturing environment.”

The school’s administrators also declared that they will continue to engage stakeholders, including parents, the Ministry of Education, and the wider public, through regular updates across traditional and digital platforms.

“As part of this effort, Jamaica College will release a short video outlining its response and ongoing initiatives, featuring members of the school leadership, faculty, and student body,” the media release said.

HYLTON…these additional measures reflect our commitment to strengthening our systems even further and ensuring that Jamaica College remains a safe, disciplined and nurturing environment

The Old Hope Road entrance to Jamaica College (Photo: Garfield Robinson)