Principal of Ascot Primary School in Portmore, Mark Jackson, has apologised for last week’s segregation of the school’s graduating class on the basis of students’ performance in the 2026 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations.

“Where any of my students have been wounded or scarred, I am woefully sorry and wholeheartedly apologise for this unintended outcome,” a Ministry of Education release issued on Sunday quoted the school principal as saying.

In the release, the ministry condemned what it described as the “inappropriate approach” taken by the school’s administration, while reaffirming its commitment to “positive discipline”. The ill-advised separation of students has also drawn stern rebuke from several other quarters, among them former Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn and Fi We Children Foundation (FWCF).