Blackman and Gollop students praised for excelling in academics, sport

A record number of Blackman and Gollop Primary School pupils secured top placements at leading secondary schools this year, as the school celebrated both academic gains and a historic double victory in athletics at its 2025 graduation ceremony on Thursday at the Ivan Yearwood Centre of Christ Church Parish Church.

Sixty-eight pupils, including one early sitter, were honoured for their accomplishments and successful completion of primary school. Principal Harriet Blackman commended the cohort’s academic performance and noted significant improvement in this year’s Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination (BSSEE) results compared with the previous year.

“Our mathematics scores ranged from 19 to 99, and English scores ranged from 33 to 97,” Blackman reported. “Two students earned an A in composition and 15 received a B.”

The principal went on to share the secondary school allocations for this year’s class:

• Christ Church Foundation School – eight

• Harrison College – nine

• Queen’s College – five

• Combermere – three

• The St Michael School – two

• Springer Memorial – six

• The Lodge School – seven

• Deighton Griffith Secondary – nine

• Graydon Sealy Secondary – ten

Other pupils were allocated to schools including Alleyne, Ellerslie, Lester Vaughan, Princess Margaret, Parkinson Memorial, and St Leonard’s Boys.

Blackman also praised her pupils for their sporting achievements over the past year.

Principal Harriet Blackman presenting Top Girl Anira Branch with her trophy.

She said: “The school athletics team performed extremely well in NAPSAC. Last year, they placed first in the boys and tied for second place in the girls in the Ryan Brathwaite Zone, but this year we were double crown champions. We won both the boys and the girls in the Ryan Brathwaite Zone. This year the school placed second in the boys and fourth in the girls in NAPSAC Finals; let me add that this was out of 80 competing schools compared to last year, and last year we placed sixth in the boys and 23rd in the girls. So yes, this deserves some applause.”

In her final words to the graduands, Blackman offered heartfelt advice.

“Today signals the end of your journey at Blackman and Gollop Primary School, and you’ll be transitioning to a new environment,” she said. “Some of you are excited because you have achieved that dream of going to your school of choice, and some of your friends will continue to share your journey. As you continue your journey, keep the school’s motto with you: set high goals, be determined and persevere. Remember that you are a gem and therefore you’re goal-oriented. No matter the challenges, obstacles, and setbacks you will encounter along the way, never lose sight of your goals.”

In the keynote speech, the President of the Barbados Union of Teachers, Rudy Lovell, urged pupils to embrace global opportunities and dream beyond local boundaries.

He said: “In a time where national boundaries are less defined and our actions have global repercussions, understand that realising your dreams can lead to endless possibilities. Being a global citizen means striving to be the best version of yourself and recognising the broad impact you can have. It starts with a commitment to personal growth, continuous learning, and the pursuit of excellence.

“To the graduating class, this is your moment. Walk proudly into secondary school knowing that you have what it takes. You are ready. Your minds are open, your hearts are strong, your future is bright.” (SB)