Students at Roger Clarke High School, in Balaclava, St. Elizabeth, had improved performance in this year’s CSEC examinations, with the pass rate climbing to 75.6 per cent, up from 59.67 per cent in 2025.
State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Hon. Rhoda Moy Crawford, outlined the performance at the school’s 50th anniversary ceremony and officially opened a new cosmetology lab on Thursday, October 1.
She also noted that the overall pass rate stood at 54.9 per cent in 2024 and moved to 59.67 per cent in 2025.
She urged parents to make the school a first choice for their children, pointing to dedicated staff members who are “so passionate in moving your students” up the academic ladder.
The celebration was held under the theme ‘A Golden Journey: 50 Years of Inspiring Change Through Integrity and Achievement’.
Established in 1976 as Balaclava High School, the institution was renamed in 2015 in honour of the late former Member of Parliament for St. Elizabeth North Eastern and former Minister of Agriculture, Roger Clarke.
The new cosmetology lab, funded by the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, the Co-operative Credit Union and the Scotiabank Foundation, is expected to give students hands-on training.
“This lab will give students the opportunity to connect theory with practice, develop competence and confidence,” Ms. Crawford said.
She added that cosmetology can lead to employment, further training and entrepreneurship.
According to the State Minister, the lab shows the value of partnership in education, noting that businesses, alumni and community groups can contribute through funding, equipment and mentorship.
In the meantime, Ms. Crawford said that the Ministry continues to push for technical and vocational education. This also includes greater involvement with the HEART/NSTA Trust in secondary schools, so more students graduate with recognised skill certification alongside academic qualifications.
“A lot of the persons who have their skill certificates… are earning far more than those who have pursued academics at universities,” she underscored.
