A strong Common Entrance Examination performance and a year marked by broad student development framed Cuthbert Moore Primary School’s annual graduation, as the principal highlighted both academic gains and character-building achievements.
Addressing the ceremony at Massiah House in St John, principal Andrew Haynes reflected on a year filled with a wide range of activities, leadership transitions and commendable student performances.
The school year began on September 8 2025 with a roll of 159 students — 95 boys and 64 girls — supported by a staff of 22 academic and 11 ancillary members. The year also brought a change in leadership, with Karen Sealy-Cox transferring to Ellerton Primary School and Haynes assuming the role of principal.
Reflecting on the core mission of the St Helens, St George school, Haynes emphasised that while striving for excellence across all fields is a matter of pride, the school’s ultimate purpose is character development.
“The greatest value is developing each student into a human who can face the world and overcome obstacles with moral force,” Haynes said. “Thus, we aim to develop integrated, functional, contributing boys and girls imbued with tough moral fibre.”
The effectiveness of the school’s curriculum, which aligns with the Ministry of Education Transformation programme, was demonstrated in this year’s Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination (BSSEE). Twenty-two students sat the examination, achieving a mean score of 63.6 per cent in language arts and 67.6 per cent in mathematics.
La’Wayne Arthur is Cuthbert Moore’s top performing student in Mathematics capturing 95 percent in the common entrance exam. (Photo credit: Ricardo Roberts/Barbados TODAY)
La’Wayne Arthur emerged as the school’s top-performing BSSEE student for 2026, capturing the highest individual score in mathematics with 95 per cent. Najahri Neblett secured the highest individual score in English at 82 per cent, alongside a Grade A in the essay component.
Najahri Neblett score 82 per cent in English and earned a Grade A in the essay component. (Photo credit: Ricardo Roberts/Barbados TODAY)
“These placements are a testament to the hard work and perseverance demonstrated by our students,” the principal noted, as he extended his heartiest congratulations to the pupils and their parents, while expressing gratitude to the teaching staff who guided them.
Graduating students secured places at a wide variety of secondary schools across the island, including Alleyne School, St George Secondary, Combermere and Alexandra School, among others.
Beyond academics, the principal highlighted a vibrant calendar of co-curricular and cultural events designed to foster self-confidence. Students engaged in Republic and Independence Month celebrations under the theme All Things Bajan, took part in financial literacy workshops through the FLITE programme, and participated in cultural initiatives for African Awareness Month, Valentine’s Day and Easter. Environmental stewardship was also promoted through a successful school recycling competition.
A distinct highlight of the school year was the official visit of President Jeffrey Bostic in May, which Haynes described as a highly memorable and inspiring experience for the entire school community.
The school’s athletic and sporting disciplines also enjoyed a fruitful year, with the Purple Panthers reclaiming the inter-house track and field championship title, and the cricket team securing a last-ball victory against Shirley Chisholm Primary School.
Haynes expressed deep gratitude to various corporate benefactors, community organisations and political representatives — including Toni Moore, MP for St George North — for their donations and ongoing support of the school’s infrastructure and events.
The principal also praised his teaching staff for their dedication to continuous professional development, noting their participation in specialised training ranging from reading comprehension to the integration of tablet technologies.
Looking ahead, Haynes reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to the youth of the nation.
“At Cuthbert Moore Primary, we will continue to strive to improve educational outcomes for all students,” he concluded. “May every one of us continue to strive for excellence as we work to build the nation’s greatest resource – its children.”
(RR)
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