Nine in ten PEP students placed at preferred schools as Jamaica reports strong 2026 exam results

Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon announced on Monday that ninety percent of students who sat the 2026 Primary Exit Profile examination have been placed in a school of their choice, while 9.5 percent were assigned by proximity and 0.5 percent were manually placed.

Speaking at a press conference at Jamaica House, Dixon said grade six pupils exceeded national performance targets in three of four key areas. Literacy recorded 79 percent mastery, numeracy 75 percent mastery, and language arts 72 percent proficiency. Mathematics reached 69 percent proficiency, one percentage point below the national target. This year marked the first time literacy and numeracy were assessed at the grade six level.

Dixon credited targeted interventions for the gains despite severe disruption from Hurricane Melissa, which affected seven parishes, 440 schools, and roughly 12,860 students—about one-third of those who sat the exam. She noted that females performed better than males overall, though seven of the top ten students are boys. The minister said the ministry's long-term aim is to raise standards across all high schools so placement location matters less.

In western Jamaica, the Universal Service Fund has restored all 30 community Wi-Fi sites across St. James that were damaged when Hurricane Melissa struck in October 2025. Chief Executive Officer Carlton McFarland said the agency rebuilt the network using fibre, satellite, and solar technology so service can switch between sources when one fails. He said the approach will guide wider connectivity rollouts, with the next Connect the West road tour scheduled for Lucea, Hanover in about two weeks.

The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities launched an islandwide town-hall series on Tuesday in Colonel's Cove, St. Thomas, running from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Executive director Dr. Christine Hendricks said the sessions aim to raise awareness of rights under the Disabilities Act, hear discrimination complaints, and link residents to services. She highlighted the I Am Able My JCPD app, launched in July 2025 with UNICEF support, which allows persons with disabilities to register and apply for grants on Android devices, with an iOS version in development.

Ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, National Council on Drug Abuse executive director Paulette Spencer Smith said the agency will mark the observance through community walk-throughs with prevention partners. She identified alcohol, ganja, and tobacco as persisting concerns, while vaping, cannabis edibles, and alcohol mixed with energy drinks represent newer risks. Smith said Jamaica's early warning network, involving roughly forty institutions, helps identify and test emerging substances in communities.

In Negril, culinary directors Michelle and Suzanne Rousseau said a Rockhouse Foundation coastal culinary weekend raised about US$75,000 toward childhood education, part of more than US$12 million the foundation has raised since 2004. A refreshed restaurant menu is expected in full by fall, with summer specials available beforehand.