The country received its full independence and sovereignty from the United Kingdom in 1962

1. The country received its full independence and sovereignty from the United Kingdom in 1962. The education system and its

administration were
modeled after the British system

2. Education in Jamaica is headed by the country’s Ministry of Culture and Education.

Public schooling is free and compulsory for
all children between the ages of 6 and 16.

3. The school year is divided into three terms.

Studying
Holidays
The first/CHRISTMAS TERM
SEPTEMBER 7, 2015 DECEMBER 18, 2015
December 21, 2015 January 1, 2016
The second/EASTER TERM
JANUARY 4, 2016 MARCH 18, 2016
March 21, 2016 April 1, 2016
The third/SUMMER TERM
APRIL 4, 2016 JULY 8, 2016
July 11, 2016 August 31, 2016

4. Preschool Education

Early Childhood education is a non-compulsory
level of education.
It is offered to children between the ages of 3-5.

5. Primary education

Primary education includes
children between the ages of
6–12 years.
The 6 years of primary
school education in Jamaica is
compulsory and free.
Children
receive
instruction in English.
their
Schools may be
owned or private.
state-

6. At the conclusion of Grade 6, all primary school students must sit for the Grade Six Achievement Examination (GSAT). The GSAT:

Math, Language Arts, Social Studies (Civic
Studies, Geography and History), Science and Communication
Task.

7. Secondary Education

Consists of two cycles
Grades 7-9
Grades 10 and 11
Forms 1 & 3
(lower school)
Forms 4 & 5
(upper school)
At the end of Grade 11, students sit for the
Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC)

8. Exams are graded from Grades 1 to 6

1
a pass with distinction
2
a pass with credit
3
a satisfactory level pass
4 and below
either a failure, or a 'basic-level' pass

9.

Some High schools have a Career Advancement
Program and a Pre-university program (Grades 12 and
13). Students are prepared for entry into tertiary or
higher education institutions. It is optional.
At the end of the program students write the CAPE
(Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exams) or can choose
A-level exams.

10. Tertiary Education

A-Levels or CAPE examinations are required
to enter the nation's Universities.
Universities are typically the only degree
granting institutions.

11. Bachelor’s degrees normally take: -three years of study for holders of GCE A-level qualifications, -four years for holders of

the CSEC.