KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information has strongly denounced the actions of the leadership of Ascot Primary School in Portmore, following reports that students who were not ‘proficient’ in the 2026 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations were denied the opportunity to wear graduation gowns.

These students were also subjected to differential treatment during the school’s graduation ceremony.

The Ministry has described the reported actions as “inappropriate, contrary to the principles of equity, inclusion, positive discipline, and inconsistent with the standards of care for our children especially at the age of 11 or 12”.

In a statement on Sunday, Acting Chief Education Officer, Terry Ann Thomas-Gayle said the Ministry has engaged with the principal, Mark Jackson, who provided an explanation for the unfortunate turn of events.

Jackson reportedly claimed that the decision was arrived at after consultation with parents.

“The exclusion of students from wearing graduation gowns on the basis of academic performance was not intended to cause public humiliation as this is fundamentally inconsistent with the values and principles of our school.  It was an agreed position following a meeting with the parents especially for those who did not meet the criteria to participate in the graduation exercise,” Jackson reportedly told Thomas-Gayle.

According to the acting chief education officer, upon reflection, Jackson has expressed regrets for the “unintended outcomes” as espoused in his own words, “where any of my students have been wounded or scarred, I am woefully sorry and wholeheartedly apologise for this unintended outcome”.

Thomas-Gayle emphasised her disappointment in the decision of the leadership of the school to have proceeded in this manner and reiterated that graduation ceremonies should celebrate every child’s successful completion of primary education.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, said every child deserves to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of examination outcomes.

“Every child matters. A student’s PEP results must never determine whether he or she is made to feel worthy of celebrating an important educational milestone,” she said.

Morris Dixon pointed out that the secondary pathways recorded on the PEP reports are designed to inform the development of the learning plan for the students so that they can improve on their learning journey.  “Every child is different and should be supported as per their differences to enable them to shine and thrive.  This unfortunate turn of events should be a teachable moment for all educators and stakeholders who must always make decisions in the best interest of the learners,” she added.

The minister emphasised that Jamaica’s education system must continue to foster hope and opportunity for every learner.

“Our schools must be places where children are encouraged to strive for excellence while knowing they are valued, respected and supported. No child should experience humiliation, exclusion or discrimination in an institution entrusted with nurturing their development. We expect every school leader to uphold the highest standards of compassion, fairness and inclusion,” said the minister.

She warned that the Ministry will not condone practices that undermine students’ emotional well-being or violate their right to equitable treatment.

The decision taken by the leadership of Ascot Primary has drawn widespread criticism and condemnation, with some people describing it as heartless, insensitive and unconscionable.