Students Record Improved Performance in PEP Exam

Parents receiving this year’s Primary Exit Profile (PEP) results will notice a redesigned report aimed at making student performance easier to understand.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information says the updated document uses simpler language, incorporates literacy and numeracy indicators, and provides clearer guidance on areas where students may need additional support.

Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon indicated that student achievement levels in both Mathematics and Language Arts continued to improve in 2026, reflecting progress across the primary education system.

In Language Arts, 72 per cent of students achieved proficiency or higher. Of that figure, 5.5 per cent were classified as highly proficient, while 66.5 per cent were rated proficient. Another 27 per cent fell into the developing category, with just one per cent assessed at the beginning level.

The Minister noted that performance in the subject has steadily increased over the past four years. The proportion of students reaching proficiency and above moved from 60 per cent in 2023 to 67 per cent in 2024, followed by 69 per cent in 2025 before reaching 72 per cent this year.

Mathematics also recorded encouraging results. Eight per cent of students were rated highly proficient, while 61 per cent achieved proficiency. Thirty per cent were categorised as developing and one per cent as beginning, resulting in a combined 69 per cent reaching proficiency and above.

According to Dr. Morris Dixon, improvements in Mathematics have been supported by several initiatives, including the deployment of specialist teachers, mathematics camps and increased support from mathematics experts working with schools. Efforts have also focused on introducing key concepts earlier and strengthening classroom instruction.

Data presented during the June 22 PEP press conference at Jamaica House showed a steady upward trend in Mathematics outcomes. The percentage of students attaining proficiency and above increased from 57 per cent in 2023 to 60 per cent in 2024, then 63 per cent in 2025 before climbing to 69 per cent this year.

PEP results are measured across four achievement bands. Students may be classified as beginning, developing, proficient or highly proficient, with each category reflecting a different level of competence and mastery.

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