Grades 2, 4 and 9 examinations cancelled

The Ministry of Education has cancelled the Primary School Examinations written in Grades Two and Four along with the Secondary School examination written in Grade Nine (Form Three).

“Due to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education sector, the National Grades Two, Four and Nine and the national placement examinations will not be written in 2021.” Chief Education Officer Dr. Marcel Hutson stated in a brief video posted to the Ministry’s Facebook page.

The Placement examination referred to, is offered to students from private schools or Secondary schools who wish to be upgraded to a better school.

Dr. Hutson said the Ministry recognizes the hardships faced by students in terms of their readiness and preparedness for these examinations.

“We also recognize the need to ensure that our students are safe,” he added.

The Ministry will however be moving ahead with the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).