AS Dunrobin Christian Academy prepares to leave the only home it has known for nearly 70 years, the school is carrying with it a powerful reminder of its enduring legacy, as students delivered a fitting farewell gift through their impressive showing in this year’s Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations.

The performance, which saw 90 per cent of grade six students earn placements at their first-choice traditional high schools, comes as the institution undertakes a major relocation project. With renovations underway at a newly acquired property, Executive Director Karren Goulbourne said the timing of both milestones is particularly significant as it will help position the institution for its next chapter of growth and excellence.

“The combination of our strong academic performance and the relocation project positions Dunrobin Christian Academy for a very promising future. Our consistent results demonstrate that we have a solid academic foundation, while the new campus provides the physical space and resources needed to build on that success,” she said.

Among the school’s top placements were six students who earned spots at Campion College and five at St George’s College. Other students secured placements at Ardenne High School, Holy Childhood High School, Alpha Academy, St Andrew High School for Girls, Jamaica College, Wolmer’s Boys’ School, Wolmer’s Girls’ School, Meadowbrook High School, St Jago High School, and Calabar High School.

Goulbourne described the results as evidence of the school’s deliberate and sustained approach to academic achievement. In fact, she credited the results to a rigorous standards-driven curriculum, consistent and effective teaching practices, strategic test-taking preparation and a strong administrative and supervisory framework.

According to the executive director, three factors played a particularly important role in the students’ performance — meaningful parent and community engagement, the effective use of student performance data to guide instruction, and a carefully structured extension of the school day, week and term to maximise learning opportunities.

“Ninety per cent of the students passed with high averages. This data indicates a huge statistical gain for our school. The various sectors of the school — administration, teachers, parents and students — maintained a direct and intentional synergy, all aimed at purposefully encompassing each student’s success,” Goulbourne said.

She was equally emphatic in praising the students themselves.

“They each displayed an unyielding commitment to success. They were altogether success-oriented, and there was a unified attempt by each of them to maintain the trajectory of success which they established in the early grades.”

For Goulbourne, the strong performance reflects the school’s broader vision of developing well-rounded individuals equipped to succeed both academically and personally.

“These results are perfectly aligned with our long-term vision of being a school of excellence. At Dunrobin Christian Academy, we strive to distinguish ourselves through strong academic performance while developing students who excel not only in the classroom but also in sports, the performing arts, leadership and character development,” she declared.

The academic achievements come at a pivotal moment in the institution’s history. While acknowledging the sentimental attachment many alumni, parents and staff members have to the school’s longstanding location, Goulbourne said the move represents an important step forward.

“Having occupied 15 Dunrobin Avenue for approximately 70 years, it is certainly bittersweet to leave a location that has been such an important part of our history. However, we are excited about this new chapter because our new campus will provide a permanent home for our school family and position us for future growth and development,” Goulbourne declared.

“We anticipate that the renovations will be completed in time for us to relocate at the end of August and begin the new school year in September,” she added.

Goulbourne estimates that completing the development project will cost approximately $70 million. As a result, the institution remains open to partnerships with private individuals, alumni, philanthropic organisations and corporate entities interested in supporting the project.

She explained that financial contributions would not only help transform the new campus but would also provide valuable branding and visibility opportunities for corporate partners seeking to demonstrate their commitment to education and community development.

“The new campus represents an exciting opportunity to enhance the overall educational experience for our students. Students will benefit from a setting that is better suited to support modern educational practices, collaboration and personal development,” Goulbourne shared.

Finally, she reiterated that the school’s latest PEP results reaffirm what Dunrobin Christian Academy has sought to provide throughout its history.

“The message is clear: Dunrobin Christian Academy is a fertile, high-yielding learning environment. It is rooted in Judeo-Christian values while creating lifelong learners who are prepared to become productive citizens of Jamaica and the global community,” Goulbourne said.

Executive Director Karren Goulbourne .