Paying, non-paying students prevented from viewing grades

SHANICE WATSON, STAR Writer

Since last week, students across the island have been rejoicing and mourning in accordance with their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) results.

However, some are left uncertain of what emotions to express, as they have been barred from accessing their results.

An established Corporate Area school has confirmed that it has blocked all students from accessing their results online because some students have outstanding balances.

When students from the institution (including those who have paid their fees) tried to access their results, they are greeted with a message saying, "Access to this report/screen has been restricted by your centre!"

When THE STAR contacted the institution, a female representative explained that the block was put in place by the school's administration because a significant number of students have not paid their tuition and other school-related fees.

"We are a private institution, and we don't really get subsidies from the Government, so we survive mainly on tuition to pay bills, to pay teachers, and so on, so the institution has to put in whatever means possible to get the money," she said.

The representative admitted she understands the frustration of those students who have paid their fees and are unable to access their results and apologised for the inconvenience.

However, the apologies are not enough to console furious students who are eagerly anticipating their results. One student vented her frustration to THE STAR.

"I don't owe the school a dollar. I pay on time, before time, never ever owe them a cent. They say I must understand from their position and I do understand. What I'm saying is, I shouldn't have to suffer because a bunch of other children didn't pay," she said.

Minister of Education, Ronald Thwaites, told THE STAR he was unaware of the situation, but noted that any such practice would be against the ministry's policy and an investigation into the matter will follow.

He also urges all affected students to visit the Overseas Examination Council located on Manhattan Road in Kingston, where they should be able to access their results without problems.

The results were published online last Thursday, however, the school said the block will remain in place until all students have paid their fees.