All systems set for 11-Plus, 2 767 students sit exam Tuesday

All systems were in place for Tuesday’s 11-Plus examination, Minister of Education Transformation Chad Blackman said on Monday, giving an assurance to the country that preparations were fully on stream. 

Teams will be visiting centres across the island to monitor proceedings, he said.

He also encouraged students to approach the exam with confidence and thanked educators and parents for their support.

The Ministry of Education Transformation has finalised all logistics to ensure a seamless experience for the thousands of children sitting the exam, Blackman said, declaring that the administration was “fully on stream” and ready for the morning’s proceedings.

Students sitting the Common Entrance Examination on Tuesday were being encouraged to approach the assessment with confidence and pride, as education officials emphasised that the test marks a transition rather than a defining moment in their academic journey.

A total of 2 767 students are registered to write this year’s secondary exam, compared with 2 981 students last year.

Blackman later told journalists the journey to this moment was a collective effort, as he extended gratitude to the educators who have guided these students from their earliest years in primary school, noting that the preparation for Tuesday began long before Class Four. 

He credited the teachers of Classes One through Three for laying the essential foundation, alongside the tireless support of parents and school principals.

Addressing the students directly at a press conference at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, the minister framed the exam not as a source of stress, but as a celebratory milestone.

“To the students themselves, tomorrow is your day. Tomorrow is your day to shine,” Blackman encouraged.

He urged the youth to enter their respective centres without the weight of undue pressure, defining success as more than just a grade.

“I want you to go into the exam knowing that you are going to do well. What do I mean by well? Not just quote-unquote passing the exam. This is a transition from primary school to secondary school and therefore go into the exam, do well, no pressure.”

His itinerary begins at Deighton Griffith Secondary School to oversee the start of the session, followed by visits to at least two other secondary schools and examination centres across the island to monitor the environment and meet with officials as the exam concludes.

As the nation prepares for the annual rite of passage, long targeted for abolition by the administration, Blackman offered a message of support for the 11-plus-age pupils. 

“Simply know that the ministry is proud of what you are going to do,” he said, declaring the government’s commitment to the students’ successful transition into the next phase of their academic lives.

Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, in a statement, commended students for their months of hard work and perseverance, urging them to walk into their assigned examination centres with a sense of pride and focus.

The chief emphasised that while the “Common Entrance” is a significant milestone, it is merely one chapter in a much larger story. The education chief told students: “Approach this examination with confidence. Do your best, stay focused, and trust in what you have learned. Remember, this is just one step along your educational journey. There are many more exciting opportunities ahead with new experiences, new friendships, and new achievements waiting for you.”

The address also highlighted the critical support systems surrounding the candidates.

Regarding the teaching force, Dr Archer Bradshaw said: “I also wish to extend sincere thanks to our educators, whose commitment and guidance have helped to prepare our students for this important milestone. Your dedication continues to make a lasting impact on their futures.”

Dr Archer-Bradshaw stressed the home environment, noting that the role of parents and guardians was vital to student success.

“Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement,” the message continued. “I encourage you to remain actively engaged in your child’s educational journey through strong and consistent parent-teacher partnerships.”

(RR)