Jamaica Education Ministry condemns Ascot Primary graduation gown discrimination reports

Report it!: FWCF condemns reported graduation discrimination at Ascot Primary, cites potential constitutional breaches

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Fi We Children Foundation (FWCF) has expressed deep concern over reports that grade six students at Ascot Primary School in Portmore, St Catherine, were allegedly treated differently during their graduation ceremony based on their Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examination results. According to media reports, some students who did not achieve certain PEP scores were reportedly denied the opportunity to wear graduation caps and gowns. Instead, they were allegedly required to attend the ceremony in their regular school uniforms, march behind their classmates and sit at the back of the graduating class. READ: Graduation apartheid FWCF said that if the reports are accurate, the treatment of the affected students is unacceptable and contrary to the principles of dignity, equality, inclusion and the best interests of the child. The foundation also said the reported actions may raise serious constitutional issues, including possible violations of the rights to equality before the law, freedom from discrimination and every child's right to special protection by virtue of being a minor, as guaranteed under Sections 13(3)(g), 13(3)(i) and 13(3)(k)(i) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms. FWCF is encouraging parents and guardians of affected students to report the matter immediately to the Ministry of Education, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) and any other appropriate oversight body. The organisation also advised families to seek independent legal advice or contact the Legal Aid Council to determine whether they qualify for legal representation. Where appropriate, parents may pursue legal action on behalf of their children as next friends, similar to the approach taken in Virgo (Dale) and Another v Board of Management of Kensington Primary School. In addition, FWCF urged parents, guardians and witnesses to preserve any evidence related to the incident, including photographs, videos, emails, text messages and other correspondence connected to the graduation ceremony. “A graduation ceremony should celebrate every child who has successfully completed primary education not publicly rank, shame or exclude children because of examination results,” said FWCF Youth Policy Committee Chair, Sabrina Barnes. “Every child deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and equal worth.” The foundation reiterated that schools must remain places of inclusion where academic achievement is celebrated without diminishing the dignity of any child. “Every student who completes primary school deserves to cross the graduation stage with pride,” it said.

2 hours ago

Inappropriate!

KINGSTON, Jamaica - The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information has strongly denounced the actions of the leadership of Ascot Primary School in Portmore, following reports that students who were not ‘proficient’ in the 2026 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations were denied the opportunity to wear graduation gowns. These students were also subjected to differential treatment during the school's graduation ceremony. The Ministry has described the reported actions as “inappropriate, contrary to the principles of equity, inclusion, positive discipline, and inconsistent with the standards of care for our children especially at the age of 11 or 12”. In a statement on Sunday, Acting Chief Education Officer, Terry Ann Thomas-Gayle said the Ministry has engaged with the principal, Mark Jackson, who provided an explanation for the unfortunate turn of events. Jackson reportedly claimed that the decision was arrived at after consultation with parents. "The exclusion of students from wearing graduation gowns on the basis of academic performance was not intended to cause public humiliation as this is fundamentally inconsistent with the values and principles of our school.  It was an agreed position following a meeting with the parents especially for those who did not meet the criteria to participate in the graduation exercise,” Jackson reportedly told Thomas-Gayle. According to the acting chief education officer, upon reflection, Jackson has expressed regrets for the “unintended outcomes” as espoused in his own words, “where any of my students have been wounded or scarred, I am woefully sorry and wholeheartedly apologise for this unintended outcome”. Thomas-Gayle emphasised her disappointment in the decision of the leadership of the school to have proceeded in this manner and reiterated that graduation ceremonies should celebrate every child's successful completion of primary education. Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, said every child deserves to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of examination outcomes. "Every child matters. A student's PEP results must never determine whether he or she is made to feel worthy of celebrating an important educational milestone,” she said. Morris Dixon pointed out that the secondary pathways recorded on the PEP reports are designed to inform the development of the learning plan for the students so that they can improve on their learning journey.  “Every child is different and should be supported as per their differences to enable them to shine and thrive.  This unfortunate turn of events should be a teachable moment for all educators and stakeholders who must always make decisions in the best interest of the learners,” she added. The minister emphasised that Jamaica's education system must continue to foster hope and opportunity for every learner. "Our schools must be places where children are encouraged to strive for excellence while knowing they are valued, respected and supported. No child should experience humiliation, exclusion or discrimination in an institution entrusted with nurturing their development. We expect every school leader to uphold the highest standards of compassion, fairness and inclusion,” said the minister. She warned that the Ministry will not condone practices that undermine students' emotional well-being or violate their right to equitable treatment. The decision taken by the leadership of Ascot Primary has drawn widespread criticism and condemnation, with some people describing it as heartless, insensitive and unconscionable.

12 hours ago