By Anthony Henry

The Ministry of Education has announced adjustments to several local and overseas examinations, including CXC, PEP and City and Guilds, following disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa.

Education Minister Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon outlined the measures in the Senate on Friday, saying the changes were made after consultations with students, parents, teachers, school administrators and examining bodies.

For Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations, students attending schools not impacted by Hurricane Melissa will sit Papers 1 and 2 as scheduled, with concessions for School-Based Assessments (SBAs), including exemptions from late fees and the option to defer if required.

Students in affected parishes, namely St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St James, Trelawny, Hanover, St Ann and Manchester, will sit Paper 1 only, also with SBA concessions, late-fee exemptions and deferral options. Schools in the most severely affected areas were allowed to choose between the two options following consultation with their school communities.

The SBA submission deadline has been extended to June 15, 2026, without penalty. Candidates who have registered and paid but feel unprepared to sit the examinations may seek a refund or defer to a 2027 sitting. Results for Jamaica-based candidates will be released in August 2026, in line with the rest of the region.

Turning to the Primary Exit Profile (PEP), Dr Morris Dixon said the assessment will operate differently for the upcoming sitting, with non-essential components de-emphasised and a greater focus placed on core competencies to ensure balance and equity for students affected by disruption.

She also announced that literacy and numeracy components will be introduced into the Grade 6 PEP beginning in 2026, allowing for more accurate measurement of students’ readiness for secondary education and improved targeting of remediation and support.

Adjustments were also announced for City and Guilds examinations in Mathematics Skills, English Skills and Customer Service for 2026. These include extended registration and assessment entry windows, expanded Speaking and Listening assessment periods and additional resit opportunities. Results for the June series are scheduled for release on August 28, 2026.