SCREAMS and shouts of jubilation echoed outside the gates of two Kingston primary schools visited by the Jamaica Observer on Monday as parents, educators, and triumphant students loudly celebrated their results in the 2026 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations.

Shortly after the results were released Monday afternoon, the Observer was on campus at St George’s Girls’ Primary and Infant School and St Aloysius Primary, where parents were seen hugging and planting firm, proud kisses on their children, while others who could not find the words jumped erratically, shouting, and even shedding tears of joy.

“I am elated. I am overjoyed. I am feeling so proud,” said Beverley Ferguson Smikle, the mother of top performer at St Aloysius Primary School, Katalia Smikle.

Ferguson Smikle told the Observer that she was nervous for weeks on her daughter’s behalf, whom she said was completely composed and confident about how she performed in the examination.

“I had sleepless nights; I had several dreams. On the other hand she said, ‘Mom, I did it and I know I’m going to pass for a good school’. She was extremely confident, and she passed for her first choice — Campion [College],” she said.

Students at St Aloysius Primary School in Kingston jump for joy after hearing their Primary Exit Profile examination results Monday afternoon. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Ferguson Smikle added that her daughter had a history of spectacular performances in PEP across grades four and five, noting that although she was nervous she never doubted her child’s capacity to do well.

Keresha McFarlane, mother of Sariah Thompson who also attends St Aloysius Primary, held on to her daughter for support as the words, “I passed for Immaculate [Conception High School],” seemed to have left her spellbound.

“I’m speechless! A while ago I saw everyone out there talking and I had to take two painkillers because I got weak! Mi have fi hold on to the railing fi climb up the staircase,“ said McFarlene.

”She has been dreaming for the past two months, and every night she tell me that is Immaculate she dream to go. From grade one she’s been striving; she never drop the baton! Jesus you have done it again!”

According to grade six coordinator Michelle Russell, the excellence achieved by the students is a continuation of a well-established tradition of scholastic success at the institution.

Mom Marcia plants a firm kiss on her daughter Sybriah, who attends St George’s Girls’ Primary and Infant School, and was placed at St Hugh’s High after aceing her Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations.  (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

“They did well and they are happy so I am also happy,” she said. “Almost 90 per cent of our students were placed in traditional high schools.”

Russell also highlighted that these students were the cohort that started out during the heights of the COVID-19 pandemic, and told the Observer that she was especially proud of their hard work persevering throughout several other disturbances that occurred.

At the neighbouring St George’s Girls’, spirits were equally high.

Marcia was at a loss for words as she stared off into the distance before she could share her daughter Sybriya’s success.

Mom Keresha McFarlane kisses her daughter Sariah Thompson who attends St Aloysius Primary, and is heading to Immaculate Conception High School in September. (Photo: Renae Osbourne)

“She did well, she is in pathway one, and she passed for St Hugh’s [High School for girls]. I am really feeling… I am proud of her,” she said.

Principal of the institution Valrie Brown was among those most proud, pointing out that the students went through many hardships but performed well in spite of these.

“You know why I’m elated? This set is the COVID set, and [their challenges were] compounded by [Hurricane] Melissa [which struck last October] where the curriculum had to be revised and all of that, so the teachers dug deep to prepare them as best as possible, and our results are favourable. We have gotten the traditional high schools, and 85 per cent of our students are on pathway one,” said Brown.

Sending her students off on their new journeys with a message of perseverance, Brown declared them victors who triumphed against all odds.

“They have fought a good fight, and I encourage them not to give up. The race is not for the swift, but those who endure to the end. Despite the many challenges they stuck to the task and they are now preparing to meet their high school days as graduation will be next week,” she said.