Children's Foundation Condemns Alleged PEP-Based Graduation Bias at Ascot Primary

The FI We Children Foundation (FWCF) has spoken out after reports that students at Ascot Primary School in St. Catherine were allegedly divided during their graduation ceremony according to how they performed on the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examination.

"No child deserves to be humiliated due to an examination score," the foundation said in response to the allegations. Reports indicate that pupils classified as not proficient were not allowed to wear graduation gowns and received different treatment from their peers during the event.

The Ministry of Education has since condemned the school's actions. Ministry officials said principal Mark Jackson has apologised for what he described as unintended consequences of a decision made after a meeting with parents, particularly those whose children did not satisfy the requirements to take part fully in the graduation exercise.

In a statement issued yesterday, FWCF said the reported treatment of the students was unacceptable. Sabrina Barnes, chair of the foundation's Youth Policy Committee, said the matter may involve possible breaches of the law and encouraged parents to seek legal advice.