Nerves, excitement fill Princess Margaret School on exam day

by Lauryn Escamilla 05/05/2026

written by Lauryn Escamilla Updated by Benson Joseph 05/05/2026 2 min read

Principal of the Princess Margaret Secondary School Veronica Annel-Agard. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)

A mix of anticipation and anxiety hung in the air at Princess Margaret Secondary School on Tuesday morning as 215 students from St Philip gathered to sit the Common Entrance Examination.

From two hours prior to the exam, parents, guardians and teachers assembled outside the compound, offering last-minute encouragement. Hugs were tight, cameras flashed, and quiet prayers were whispered before students made their way through the gates to begin the exam.

“I feel kind of nervous, but I think I can do my best and I will get through it,” Cazziah Catwell from the St Martin Mangrove Primary School said, echoing the sentiments shared by many.

Others struck a more confident tone after months of preparation.

“Going into the exam I felt confident having done preparations prior,” Adrian Bailey from the St Martin Mangrove Primary school explained, while Kianna Wooding from Reynold Weekes Primary School added, “I was preparing for this for a very long time. So now that the time is here, I just feel excited.”

Still, the unfamiliar setting proved unsettling for some.

“I’m feeling a little bit nervous. I feel nervous because I’m doing it at another school and I’m surrounded by different people,” said Ranika Leon-Eversley from Reynold Weekes Primary School.

Even among those who felt ready, nerves lingered.

“I’m feeling pretty good. It’s just that I’m just a little nervous,” said Nefertari McCollin, who attends Reynold Weekes Primary School, while Ashoni Hinkson from Bayleys Primary said: “I am a bit nervous, but I think I can do it.”

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Confidence, however, remained a common thread.

“Today I am doing a Common Entrance Exam and I feel good and I will try my best,” Nakyra Barrow of the St Martin’s Mangrove Primary School remarked.

Teachers also expressed cautious optimism after months of preparation.

“Lots of oral work, written work, practice, practice papers, etc. I think they’re ready, they’re comfortable and confident, and so am I,” Cheryl Pearce, a teacher at St Catherine’s Primary School said, adding, “But most importantly, I am relieved.”

Outside the exam rooms, the tension did not ease. Parents remained nearby, many visibly anxious. Some clasped hands in prayer, hoping their children would perform at their best after all their preparation.