Highest NGSA turnout since COVID-19, says education minister

The National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), which began Wednesday, recorded the highest turnout since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Education Minister, Priya Manickchand.
During an update, she noted that the ministry was very pleased with the turnout on the first day of the exams, highlighting that it was one of the highest participation rates recorded by the ministry—even prior to the COVID-19 period.
Providing a breakdown of attendance across regions, Manickchand stated that Region Five accounted for the highest turnout rate this year.
A total of 15,813 students were registered to sit the exams. Data received at the time of the update covered 99 per cent of schools and showed that 15,497 students were present, representing a 98 per cent attendance rate—the highest since before the pandemic.
Among those sitting the exams were 115 pupils with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Additionally, for the very first time, 91 pupils sat the exams in Spanish.
Breakfast and lunch were provided to all public school students, while exam kits were distributed to students across both public and private schools.
During the update, Manickchand credited the turnout to continued investments in the education sector, including the provision of meals. She added that these investments are expected to be reflected in the examination results as well.
The assessment concludes later today with Social Studies Papers 1 and 2. The NGSA results will determine the secondary school placements for each student.