Jamaican students bounce back: CSEC English, Math pass rates show significant gains

Photo: UNICEF Jamaica/2018/Talk Up Yout

Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MoESYI) today announced positive results from the 2025 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), which recorded notable improvements in English Language and Mathematics.

The Ministry also reported steady overall performance in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

Following sustained interventions and targeted support in schools nationwide, Jamaica’s national pass rate for CSEC English Language rose to 85 percent, surpassing the pre-pandemic 2019 figure of 82.8 percent and significantly higher than the 76 percent recorded in 2024. Mathematics results climbed to 44 percent, up from 40 percent in 2024, signalling a steady recovery toward the 2019 pre-pandemic pass rate of 54 percent.

Compared with 2024 CSEC results, all National School Learning and Intervention Plan (NSLIP) schools had improved performance for English A, and almost all improved in Mathematics. Forty-one (41) of the fifty-six (56) NSLIP schools showed improvement in Mathematics.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, welcomed the gains, noting that the results reflect the resilience of Jamaica’s students and the collective effort of all stakeholders.

“These results reflect the resilience of our students, the dedication of our teachers, and the support of parents. We are especially pleased to see the English Language surpass pre-pandemic performance and Mathematics making consistent gains. It shows that our collective efforts to rebuild after the learning losses of COVID-19 are bearing fruit,” she said.

The Ministry attributed the improvements to a suite of targeted initiatives designed to strengthen teaching quality, enhance learning opportunities, and provide additional support to students. These included National Mathematics and Literacy Camps, an Expanded Extra Lesson and Homework Programme in over 50 priority schools, the deployment of specialist Mathematics and English teachers to underperforming schools, after-school and Saturday academies, and the integration of technology such as e-learning platforms and digital practice tests.

At the CAPE level, public schools recorded an overall pass rate of 91.5 percent across Units 1 and 2. Unit 1 achieved a pass rate of 91.2 percent, while Unit 2 reached 92.3 percent, both reflecting slight but consistent improvements over 2024. Performance remained especially strong in STEM subjects, with thirteen of the fourteen areas recording pass rates above 50 percent, including Chemistry at 92.3 percent, Physics at 95.4 percent, and Pure Mathematics at 90.1 percent.

Minister Morris Dixon commended the dedication and collaboration of educators, parents, and students, adding, “These achievements are not by chance. They are the product of deliberate planning, investment, and a belief that every child can learn and excel. While we celebrate the strides made, we remain focused on closing the gaps that still exist. “

Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kasan Troupe, also applauded the progress and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to further improvement.

“We have seen what is possible when students are given the right tools, quality teaching, and consistent support. The Ministry will continue to expand our intervention programmes and strengthen partnerships so that no student is left behind,” she said.

While the gains are encouraging, the Ministry stressed that the work is far from over. Building on this year’s successes, MoESYI will intensify its focus on Mathematics and Science, expand access to technology-driven learning tools, and invest in advanced teacher training. The goal, Minister Morris Dixon noted, is to ensure that every Jamaican student is equipped not just to pass exams, but to thrive in further studies, the workplace, and life.