The 2026 annual graduation ceremony of Cuthbert Moore Primary School, held at Massiah House in St John, Barbados, closed out a transformative academic year defined by standout academic performance, intentional character growth, and a packed schedule of enriching co-curricular activities. New principal Andrew Haynes, who took over leadership mid-transition this year, used his address to the graduating class, families, and staff to highlight both the school’s impressive Common Entrance Examination results and its unwavering commitment to nurturing well-rounded, morally grounded young people. The 2025-2026 academic year launched on September 8, 2025, with a total enrollment of 159 students – 95 boys and 64 girls – supported by a team of 22 certified academic educators and 11 ancillary staff members. The year brought a key leadership shift, as former administrator Karen Sealy-Cox transferred to Ellerton Primary School, clearing the way for Haynes to step into the principal role.
Speaking to the core mission of the St George-based school, Haynes emphasized that while academic excellence across all disciplines is a point of institutional pride, the school’s ultimate priority lies in character development. “The greatest value is developing each student into a human who can face the world and overcome obstacles with moral force,” Haynes told the gathering. “Thus, we aim to develop integrated, functional, contributing boys and girls imbued with tough moral fibre.”
This commitment to academic growth, aligned with the Ministry of Education’s national Transformation programme, yielded strong outcomes in this year’s Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination (BSSEE), the nation’s common entrance test for secondary school placement. All 22 graduating students sat the exam, posting a mean score of 63.6 per cent in language arts and 67.6 per cent in mathematics. Two students stood out for exceptional individual performance: La’Wayne Arthur earned a 95 per cent score to claim the school’s top mathematics mark, while Najahri Neblett secured an 82 per cent in English alongside a Grade A distinction for the essay component. All graduating students earned placements at leading secondary schools across Barbados, including Alleyne School, St George Secondary, Combermere School, and Alexandra School.
“These placements are a testament to the hard work and perseverance demonstrated by our students,” Haynes said, extending warm congratulations to graduates and their families, and thanking the teaching staff for their constant guidance and dedication. Beyond the classroom, the school prioritized holistic development through a full calendar of co-curricular, cultural, and community-focused initiatives throughout the year. Students took part in national Republic and Independence Month celebrations centered on the theme “All Things Bajan”, completed financial literacy training through the national FLITE programme, and engaged in cultural programming for African Awareness Month, Valentine’s Day, and Easter. A school-wide recycling competition also drove student engagement in environmental stewardship, helping instill lifelong habits of sustainability.
One of the most memorable milestones of the year was an official visit from Barbadian President Jeffrey Bostic in May, an experience Haynes called deeply inspiring for every member of the school community. Athletic programs also saw major success: the school’s Purple Panthers house reclaimed the coveted inter-house track and field championship title, while the boys’ cricket team pulled off a dramatic last-ball victory over Shirley Chisholm Primary School. Haynes also highlighted the ongoing professional growth of his teaching team, noting that educators completed specialized training across key areas, from advanced reading comprehension instruction to integrating tablet technologies into daily lesson planning.
Looking ahead, the principal expressed sincere gratitude to the school’s many supporters, including corporate benefactors, local community organizations, and political representatives – including Toni Moore, Member of Parliament for St George North – for their generous donations and ongoing backing for campus infrastructure upgrades and school events. Reaffirming the institution’s longstanding commitment to Barbados’ youth, Haynes closed his address with a clear vision for the future. “At Cuthbert Moore Primary, we will continue to strive to improve educational outcomes for all students,” he said. “May every one of us continue to strive for excellence as we work to build the nation’s greatest resource – its children.”