(FP)

Thousands of primary school students are expected to write the Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination (BSSEE) next Tuesday, May 7.

A total of 3,382 students will sit this year’s examination, also known as the 11-Plus or Common Entrance Exam. That figure is down 44 students compared to last year.

According to the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, this number comprises 1,766 males and 1,616 females, who are registered to write the examination at 22 secondary schools across the island.  This year, 14 students have requested permission to write the examination at an early age (that is at 10 years).

The ministry has also reported that 103 students have made requests to be deferred from writing the BSSEE until 2020.  Of those, 84 were granted permission to defer.  Forty students have also been granted exemptions from writing the examination.

Additionally, there have been 106 special requests made by parents on behalf of their children.  These were mainly for extra time, enlarged print and breaks for snacks.

The BSSEE will also be taken by 142 non-nationals, who have met the immigration requirements.

As a result of the May 7 exam, the Ministry of Education has advised that there will be no classes for students who attend secondary schools on that day, as these facilities will be used as examination centres.  The BSSEE will begin at 9:00 a.m. and finish at 1:00 p.m.

melissa.rollock@barbados.gov.bb

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