The country’s second-place Common Entrance performer, Hilda Skeene Primary School’s Josiah Gibson, says hard work, determination and the support of his family helped him earn one of the country’s highest marks, as he now prepares to begin the next chapter of his education.
Speaking after the school’s graduation ceremony at The Crane Resort on Friday, where he was valedictorian and also named the school’s Most Outstanding Student of 2026, Gibson admitted he entered the examination feeling a mix of emotions.
“I was a little nervous but also excited because I knew that whatever I did on that day…” he said.
The achievement left the young student overwhelmed with joy.
“I was very happy when I heard this… running around my house screaming.”
His success was also recognised during the graduation ceremony, where he received several awards: Most outstanding student of 2026; highest mark in Language Arts; highest mark in mathematics; most outstanding boy of 2026; the principal’s award; along with a Class of ‘26 trophy.
Looking ahead to secondary school, Gibson said he is eager to become even more involved outside the classroom:
“All the activities… doing better than I did before, such as running, football… I like football, basketball sometimes.”
Although he is still uncertain about his future career, he noted that, as he had been reminded during the graduation ceremony, “it’s okay” not to have all the answers just yet.
Mother Tasha-Ann Clarke said she always believed her son had the ability to become one of the island’s top performers:
“Well, I’m extremely proud of him. I always knew that he had the ability to be one of the highest in the island because, from a small child, he always showed how talented he was overall. So, I’m thankful.”
The family is planning a special reward for his accomplishment:
“We actually haven’t celebrated as yet, but we are taking him on a trip. We were initially going to the United States, but we are going to Canada.”
Maintaining balance rather than adding pressure was key throughout the examination period, Clarke said.
“Everything was basically the same. I didn’t really have to do much with him. I just tried to balance his schoolwork and his devices because he’s not really an outdoors person.”
Father Paul Gibson said the family always encouraged balance between academics and personal time.
“When it’s time for family, we let him have his fun. When it’s time for work, we let him do his work.”
He said his son sometimes needed encouragement to try new experiences:
“Sometimes he’s a bit different because there’s some activities that he would say: ‘Look, hey, I’m not doing it,’ but when you push him or you take him to it, then he says: ‘I like that, let’s do it again.’”
Although confident in his son’s abilities, he still found hearing the results emotional.
“I know he was always going to be doing well… but I was elated when I heard the scores.”
He added that discipline remained simple in their household.
“The only thing I would tell him is if you know you got something to do at school in the morning, bedtime early. Apart from that… once he does his work, we don’t ever have to worry.”
Class Four teacher Kara Allsopp said Josiah’s achievement came as no surprise, given the qualities he consistently displayed in the classroom.
“Josiah Gibson is very humble. He is very hardworking. He is a very kind child. He always gives a good word to his classmates. He motivates everyone.”
She said motivating students was the foundation of the class’ success.
“My job here… is a job of motivation. You have to get them to want to do well, and once you get them to want to do well, the children will perform well.”
The teacher noted that students willingly sacrificed holidays to prepare for the examination.
“They even gave up their time for the bank holidays. They came, and they were very willing to work hard. That is the real secret to success: motivation.”
She added that Josiah was one of several outstanding performers produced by the school this year, highlighting Alyssa Butcher, who scored 99 per cent in Mathematics and 92 per cent in Language Arts, as well as several other students who achieved scores above 90 per cent and excelled in sports and leadership.
Allsopp also credited parents for the school’s continued success.
“We have students in the public schools that can do just as well as or even better than the private schools once the parents are involved.”
She added: “The parents wanted the best. They were very willing to support… and if we have the support from parents, our children would do just as well as we have shown here today.”
(LE)
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