PEP 2026 results signal stronger learning outcomes as students exceed national targets

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MOESYI) is reporting encouraging gains in student achievement following the release of the 2026 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) National Results, with students surpassing national performance targets in three of the four areas assessed and demonstrating significant academic growth across the primary education system.

A total of 31,868 students were registered for the Grade 6 PEP examinations in 2026. Of this number, absenteeism declined by 21 per cent when compared with 2025, reflecting improved student participation and engagement. The national target for 2026 was for at least 70 per cent of students to achieve proficiency or mastery in the assessed areas. Results showed that:

• Literacy recorded 79 per cent mastery;
• Numeracy achieved 75 per cent mastery;
• Language Arts recorded 72 per cent proficiency;
• Mathematics attained 69 per cent proficiency, narrowly missing the national benchmark;
• Mathematics performance (proficient and above) moved from 57% in 2023 to 69% in 2026;
• Language Arts performance (proficient and above) has improved from 60% (2023) to 72% (2026).

Overall, the results reveal substantial improvements in student performance from Grade 4 through Grade 6, underscoring the effectiveness of interventions being implemented across schools.
Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, welcomed the results, describing them as evidence that the nation’s investment in improving literacy, numeracy and student support systems is yielding positive outcomes.

“These results demonstrate that our students, teachers, parents and school leaders continue to rise to the challenge. Despite the disruptions experienced during the academic year, including the impact of Hurricane Melissa, our education system remained resilient and focused on learning. The significant gains recorded in Literacy, Numeracy and Language Arts show that the targeted interventions and reforms being implemented are making a real difference in the lives of our children,” said Minister Morris Dixon.

She added: “Particularly encouraging is the progress made by this cohort over the three-year assessment cycle. The growth from Grade 4 to Grade 6 confirms that when we use assessment data effectively to identify learning gaps and provide targeted support, our students can achieve remarkable improvements. It should also be noted that we tested literacy and numeracy for the first time at the Grade 6 level. We remain committed to ensuring that every child is equipped with the skills needed to thrive at the secondary level and beyond.”

One of the most significant findings of the report was the improvement shown by the same cohort over time. In Mathematics, the proportion of students performing at or above proficiency increased from 39 per cent in Grade 4 to 69 per cent in Grade 6, while Language Arts proficiency rose from 45 per cent in Grade 4 to 72 per cent in Grade 6.

Deputy Chief Education Officer for the Examinations and Assessment Administration Services Branch, Maryah Ho Young, noted that the results provide strong evidence that schools are effectively using assessment data to improve teaching and learning outcomes.

“The 2026 results tell a very positive story about student growth and the value of the PEP framework. We are seeing clear evidence that students are making meaningful progress over time, and that schools are using assessment information to identify learning needs and implement effective interventions,” Ho Young stated.

She continued: “While we celebrate these achievements, the data also highlights areas requiring continued attention, particularly in mathematical problem-solving and in addressing the performance gap between male and female students. These findings will guide our instructional planning and support strategies as students transition to Grade 7.”

The Ministry also highlighted strong performances in foundational skills. Literacy mastery increased from 69 per cent in Grade 4 to 79 per cent in Grade 6, while Numeracy mastery improved from 69.9 per cent to 75 per cent over the same period. The 2026 examination cycle introduced several adjustments following instructional disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Literacy and Numeracy assessments were incorporated into Grade 6 for the first time, while the Grade 6 Mathematics and Language Arts Performance Tasks and the Science and Social Studies Curriculum-Based Tests were suspended to ensure a fair and reliable assessment process.

As the education sector continues its transformation agenda, the Ministry remains committed to strengthening foundational learning, supporting students requiring additional intervention, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to achieve academic success.

The Ministry congratulates all students, teachers, parents, principals and education stakeholders whose dedication and hard work contributed to the positive outcomes reflected in the 2026 PEP results.