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.