Principal of Ascot Primary School in Portmore, Mark Jackson, has apologised for last week’s segregation of the school’s graduating class on the basis of students’ performance in the 2026 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations.

“Where any of my students have been wounded or scarred, I am woefully sorry and wholeheartedly apologise for this unintended outcome,” a Ministry of Education release issued on Sunday quoted the school principal as saying.

In the release, the ministry condemned what it described as the “inappropriate approach” taken by the school’s administration, while reaffirming its commitment to “positive discipline”. The ill-advised separation of students has also drawn stern rebuke from several other quarters, among them former Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn and Fi We Children Foundation (FWCF).

According to an article carried by the
Jamaica Observer on Saturday, some grade six students were barred from donning caps and gowns because they did not meet the required academic qualifications based on their PEP scores. It was further reported that their classmates who reportedly attained higher PEP results participated in full regalia. Parents also allege that the affected students were made to march behind their gown-clad peers, and were seated at the back of the graduating class.

.

In a swift response Sunday, the education ministry said Acting Chief Education Officer Terry Ann Thomas-Gayle had engaged the school’s principal, who “provided an explanation for the unfortunate turn of events”.

According to the ministry, Jackson maintained that the exclusion of students from wearing graduation gowns on the basis of academic performance was not intended to cause public humiliation. The principal also indicated that the decision was taken on the basis of “an agreed position following a meeting with the parents, especially for those who did not meet the criteria to participate in the graduation exercise”.

According to the ministry, in hindsight, Jackson — who was awarded the Prime Minister’ Medal of Appreciation 2023-2024 for his service to education — now regrets the move that has earned wide criticism.

While delivering the keynote address at a graduation ceremony in St Mary on Saturday, former chief prosecutor Llewellyn described the situation as disheartening. Stressing that she is keeping an open mind in the absence of all the facts, she said it appears those in authority at Ascot Primary “were breaching the particular duty and responsibility they have as a teacher, which is to ensure, as an educator, that you foster intellectual and personal well-being of students, helping them to learn and apply critical thinking”.

“I really will be waiting to hear what the principal says. It reminded me of George Orwell’s
Animal Farm, where you had this revolution by these animals,” Llewellyn said.

JACKSON… I am woefully sorry and wholeheartedly apologise for this unintended outcome .

Weighing in on the issue in a press release on Sunday, Fi We Children Foundation (FWCF) was more forthright. “The treatment of these students is unacceptable and fundamentally inconsistent with the principles of dignity, equality, inclusion, and the best interests of the child,” it said.

It also pointed to the possibility that students’ rights may have been breached and advised parents and guardians of those affected to immediately report the matter.

“They are encouraged to file complaints with the Ministry of Education, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), and any other appropriate oversight body. Families should also seek independent legal advice or contact the Legal Aid Council to determine their eligibility for legal representation,” said FWCF.

The foundation further urged parents and witnesses to preserve all relevant evidence, including photographs, videos, messages, e-mail, and any correspondence relating to the graduation ceremony.