Lawrence Tavern Primary Celebrates Outstanding PEP Results

Members of the graduating class of 2026 at Lawrence Tavern Primary School in St. Andrew are celebrating outstanding performances in this year’s Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations, with many earning placements at their preferred high schools following months of hard work and dedicated preparation.

The successful students attributed their achievements to disciplined study habits, unwavering support from their teachers and parents, and a strong determination to overcome challenges throughout the examination period.

Among the school’s top performers is Head Girl for the 2025/26 academic year, Nerissa McDonald, who secured placement at Ardenne High School, her first-choice institution.

Having dedicated herself to her studies throughout the year, Nerissa says she was thrilled when she received her results. While excited by the achievement, she notes that the outcome was in keeping with the hard work and commitment she had invested in her preparation.

Nerissa tells JIS News that the unwavering support and encouragement she received from her teacher, parents, family members and friends played a crucial role in keeping her motivated throughout her preparation.

She notes that one of the greatest challenges she had to overcome was her fear of the examination itself.

“I overcame being afraid of PEP because I used to be very anxious about it. But over time, I got more comfortable. I started watching the videos online and working through past papers. Then I found myself saying, ‘this is easy… I can do this’,” she tells JIS News.

The student, who identifies Mathematics as her easiest subject, says she also made effective use of technology to deepen her understanding of various concepts.

“Basically, I used artificial intelligence (AI). I got the revision topics I needed to focus on, entered them into Meta AI and asked for definitions and help to understand the different subject areas,” she says.

Offering advice to future PEP candidates, Nerissa encourages them to stay focused and committed, and work hard towards achieving their goals.

“I would tell them that, no matter what anybody says, just know that you can do it. Study hard, work for what you want, and you will surely get there,” she tells JIS News

Nerissa said she is looking forward to beginning the next chapter of her educational journey at Ardenne High School, where she hopes to maintain a strong academic record while continuing to nurture her passion for dance.

Meanwhile, Deputy Head Boy for the year, Akhari Sadler, who secured placement at Wolmer’s Boys’ School, says he was overjoyed when he learned of his results.

He explains that weeks of dedicated preparation and consistent studying gave him the confidence he needed going into the examinations.

“I was very excited. I knew I did well… but I didn’t know how well,” Akhari tells JIS News.

The student shares that he maintained a disciplined study schedule in the lead-up to the examinations, setting aside time each day for revision and practice.

“I studied one to two hours a day every day after school for about a month leading up to the exams,” he explains.

While Akhari identifies Language Arts as the most challenging subject due to the extensive reading required, Mathematics remained his favourite area of study.

He also credited the support of his teacher and a classmate for helping him stay focused and motivated throughout the examination process.

Meanwhile, for students preparing to sit PEP in the future, Akhari encourages them not to become overwhelmed by the examination process.

“Don’t overthink it because, most of the time, it’s actually really simple if you just think about it,” he says.

Looking ahead, Akhari says he hopes to become involved in a variety of clubs at his new school, particularly those that align with his interests, such as robotics and chess.

Brittania Hayden, who gained admission to Immaculate Conception High School (ICHS), describes the achievement as the fulfilment of a dream she had held since her early years in primary school.

“It was my first choice. I [have] always wanted to go there… since I was in grade three,” she says.

Brittania explains that her preparation for the PEP exams included participating in study groups with friends, attending extra classes, and reviewing questions she had previously answered incorrectly to strengthen her understanding of key concepts.

She credits her success to her unwavering commitment to the preparation process, noting, “I attended every extra lesson and every Saturday class.”

Although Brittania performed well across all subject areas, she admits that Science was her most challenging subject.

Reflecting on her experience, she encourages future PEP students to dedicate sufficient time to every area of the curriculum.

Another high-achieving student, Nashay McKenzie, says she was overwhelmed with joy when she learned that she had also secured placement at ICHS.

“I felt very joyful because I knew I was going to a good school,” she proudly states.

Nashay explains that although she felt nervous and anxious during the examinations, she remained focused on her goals and relied on note-taking and consistent revision to help her prepare.

She also credits her mother and teacher for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout the process.

Looking ahead, Nashay hopes to pursue a career as either a teacher or a doctor. She also offers words of encouragement to future PEP students, urging them to stay focused on their goals and avoid being distracted by the opinions of others.

Rosheena White, who also earned placement at ICHS, recalls the nervous anticipation she felt while waiting to receive her PEP results. Despite her anxiety, she found a simple but effective way to remain calm.

“I calmed myself by doing some breathing exercises,” she tells JIS News, explaining that the technique helped her manage her nerves as she awaited the outcome of her examinations.

Those nerves quickly gave way to excitement when Rosheena learned that she had been admitted to her first-choice high school, Immaculate.

“I ran, and I cried for joy, and also jumped around for a little bit,” the student proudly recalls.

Rosheena says disciplined study habits and a structured revision schedule were key factors in her success, helping her stay organised and focused throughout the school year.

Meanwhile, grade-ix class teacher, Corrita Clarke-Seymour, who played an instrumental role in preparing the students for the examinations, expresses pride in their accomplishments, noting that they had successfully upheld the high standards set by previous graduating classes.

“Over previous years, I have had 100 per cent passes, and they did not drop the baton this year. They have done [excellently] as well… [and] I am extremely proud of my students,” she notes.

Mrs. Clarke-Seymour attributes the students’ strong performance to a combination of hard work, discipline, commitment, and consistent encouragement from teachers and parents alike.

She further emphasises that a key element of her teaching philosophy is helping students develop confidence in their own abilities

“A lot of students tend not to believe in themselves but I work to help them build that confidence. I let them know that I believe in them as well, offering encouragement, motivation, and support as they work towards their goals,” Mrs. Clarke-Seymour tells JIS News.

“Nothing is impossible through God. I also encourage them to trust God throughout the process, because we can do nothing without Him. I try to encourage them a lot, reminding them not to dwell on the grades they may have received in the past but instead to focus on what they want to achieve. Nothing is impossible,” she adds.

The educator also highlights the importance of consistent practice and disciplined study habits, particularly in Mathematics, a subject many of the students identified as one of their strongest areas.

“Maths is practical. You cannot pass Maths without practising constantly each day. So that’s something I do in my class… revise and practise concepts wherever I see that they have a weakness. I try to give questions, even change some things in the questions just for them to get back on track,” she points out.

Mrs. Clarke-Seymour further underscores the importance of parental involvement in a child’s education, emphasising that students are most successful when parents take an active role in supporting their academic development.

Meanwhile, Principal, Marlene Davis-Fairweather, says this year’s PEP results reflected notable improvements in both the quality of students’ performance and the number securing placement at their preferred secondary schools.

She explains that the achievements were the result of targeted interventions and a comprehensive support system designed to prepare students for success, well before they entered grade six.

“We had students participating in extra classes in the evenings as well as on Saturdays,” the Principal says.

Mrs. Davis-Fairweather also highlights the achievement of a student from the institution’s special education unit who secured placement at a traditional high school, adding “we are really… grateful to God for all that has been happening”.

Emphasising the importance of parental engagement, Mrs. Davis-Fairweather encourages families to maintain strong partnerships with schools and remain actively involved in their children’s development.

“We push for home-school collaboration and we are always in communication… with parents giving them feedback as to what is happening with their children and asking them to collaborate with us. So, I would always advise a parent that they are to ensure that they are in touch with all that is happening at school,” the Principal adds.

Mrs. Davis-Fairweather says the results further cement Lawrence Tavern Primary’s reputation for academic excellence and serve as an inspiration for younger students to strive for academic success.

She also commends the school’s educators, noting that the achievement was the result of a collective effort involving teachers at every level.

“While we celebrate our students of excellence, we also celebrate the work of our teachers of excellence,” Mrs. Davis-Fairweather proudly tells JIS News.