ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI — The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports is celebrating another year of academic excellence after the Class of 2026 achieved a Territory-wide graduation rate of 97 percent, with 248 students successfully meeting all requirements to graduate from the Virgin Islands public secondary school system.

The impressive results highlight continued academic achievement across the Territory, with every male student eligible for graduation successfully completing the necessary requirements, resulting in a 100 percent graduation rate among male students. Female students also performed strongly, recording a 95 percent graduation rate.

Adding to the milestone, nearly seven out of every 10 graduates earned either Honours or High Honours distinctions, underscoring the high level of academic performance demonstrated throughout the school year.

Chief Education Officer Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe praised the Class of 2026 for its resilience and commitment to success.

“The accomplishments of this graduating class are especially commendable because our students successfully balanced rigorous academic requirements, extracurricular involvement and personal responsibilities while remaining committed to excellence,” Mrs. Crabbe said.

To qualify for graduation, students must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours within their chosen programme of study, earn grades of C or higher, complete at least 80 hours of approved community service, and achieve passing scores on the Exit Proficiency Examination in English and Mathematics.

According to Mrs. Crabbe, the graduating class not only met these standards but exceeded expectations by embracing opportunities for higher education while still enrolled in secondary school.

More than half of the graduating class—134 students or 54 percent—participated in dual-enrolment programmes through the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, earning college credits before completing high school. Education officials said the growing participation reflects an increasing culture of academic ambition and provides students with a significant advantage as they pursue tertiary education.

The results also showcased the dominance of Elmore Stoutt High School, which produced all ten of the Territory’s highest-performing graduates.

Leading the Class of 2026 is Valedictorian Tarina Kenya Kenessa Roberts, while Kaliq Teshawn Jennings earned the distinction of Salutatorian.

Top-performing students from the Territory’s other public secondary schools were also recognised:

• Bregado Flax Educational Centre: Leanfer Hernandez (Valedictorian) and Kyle Alexander (Salutatorian);
• Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies: Ethan Faulkner (Valedictorian) and A’nyah Thomas (Salutatorian); and
• Claudia Creque Educational Centre: Aisha Varlack (Valedictorian) and Anjuliena Smith (Salutatorian).

Mrs. Crabbe credited the achievements to the collective efforts of educators, parents, support staff, guardians and community partners who continue to support students throughout their educational journeys.

“The success of the Class of 2026 demonstrates that excellence is achieved through perseverance, discipline and a willingness to embrace opportunities for growth,” she said.

Meanwhile, the ministry is also celebrating the accomplishments of Grade 6 students preparing to transition into secondary education.

During the 2025-2026 academic year, 291 students were enrolled at the Grade 6 level. Of those students, 280 were promoted to secondary school, while 11 transitioned through alternative educational pathways tailored to their individual needs.

The Territory’s top-performing Grade 6 student is Layla Zoe Dulapo Saniana of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, followed by Sofia Kaylee Rampersaud, also of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School.

Female students dominated the Territory’s Top Ten Grade 6 rankings, accounting for seven of the ten highest-performing students. Ebenezer Thomas Primary School produced four of the Top Ten students, while Enis Adams Primary School accounted for three.

Education officials said the strong performance at the primary level reflects the solid academic foundation being built across the public school system and provides confidence in the continued success of students as they progress through secondary education.

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports extended congratulations to all graduates and students advancing to the next stage of their academic journeys, describing the achievements of the Class of 2026 as a testament to the Territory’s commitment to educational excellence.