PEP top boy Neeraj Sahukar credits daily drill and past papers for Campion College place

Eleven-year-old Neeraj Sahukar, a pupil at Creative Kids Learning Academy, says his standing in Jamaica’s 2026 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) assessment came from sustained effort rather than luck. Months of structured study, firm resolve, and backing from relatives, educators, and peers underpinned the outcome.

He finished as the highest-ranked boy in this year’s PEP cohort and gained admission to Campion College, his preferred secondary school. He says he is keen to start that next stage of his education.

Speaking with JIS News, Neeraj outlined his approach: “I prepared by studying consistently every day and following a schedule. I practised lots of past papers, reviewed my mistakes, and asked my teachers and parents for help whenever I didn’t understand something. I also made sure to get enough rest before the exams.”

Mathematics is the subject he enjoys most, he said, because he likes tackling problems and pushing himself. He also values that the same question can often be answered through more than one method, which keeps the work engaging. Language arts proved hardest for him; he sometimes struggled to grasp reading passages fully. “However, I kept practising my reading comprehension and worked hard to improve,” he said.

Outside lessons, he stayed active in robotics. He credits that programme with reinforcing skills that carried over into schoolwork. “Being involved in robotics also taught me discipline, problem solving, and time management, which helped in my studies,” he said.

When the PEP scores came out, he described feeling thrilled, thankful, and somewhat caught off guard. “At first, I couldn’t believe it, because all the hard work and preparation had finally paid off. When I found out I was the top PEP boy, I felt proud and happy, but I also felt thankful. I thank God, my parents, my teachers, and everyone who supported me and encouraged me throughout my journey. It was a very special moment that I will always remember, and it is motivating me to keep working hard and doing my best in high school,” Neeraj said.

He stressed that instructors, relatives, and classmates were central to the result. Teachers, he noted, gave up considerable time designing instruction and coaching him. “My parents supported me every step of the way, motivated me to keep working hard, and always believed in me. My friends also encouraged me and we motivated each other to do our best,” he shared.

Looking ahead to secondary school, he wants to keep learning, stretch himself, and seize chances that build him both in class and as a person. Medicine tops his career list for now, driven by a wish to better people’s health and quality of life. Robotics has also drawn him toward business, technology, and engineering. “Whatever path I choose, I want to continue working hard, stay dedicated, and make a meaningful impact,” Neeraj said.

His mother, Bharathi Sangappa, said she backed her only child by setting a clear daily pattern that mixed focused study, recovery, and time for interests he enjoys. She also offered encouragement, helped him stay organised, and kept in regular contact with his teachers.

“That Sunday morning, I was fast asleep. It was when the principal called me and said, ‘Dr Bharathi, did you look at the newspaper?’ I told her no. She told me to open the newspaper and see, and I couldn’t believe. I was overwhelmed with joy, gratitude, and pride. It was a very emotional moment because I knew how much effort Neeraj had put in preparing for these exams. So his hard work, dedication, and commitment was really rewarded, and that was a very special moment of my life,” his mother shared.

She voiced strong thanks to God, to Neeraj’s teachers, and to others who stood with him through the PEP process. As he enters high school, she intends to keep helping him chiefly with time management, given the heavier demands ahead. “I shall also remind him to be humble, focused, and committed to excellence. I also want him to maintain a balance between his studies, robotics, and other interests,” she said.