The number of students sitting the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) has increased by 2.5 per cent this year, as the education sector continues to record growth in participation and student performance.
Preliminary results show that 666 students wrote CAPE in 2026, compared with 650 in 2025.
Minister of Education, Sonia Parag during the preliminary results ceremony on Tuesday, encouraged students to view their results as a stepping stone to further opportunities.
“After you have checked your results today, open another account and start looking at what comes next,” she said, encouraging students to apply for opportunities available to them.
“Do not stop here,” she added.
Several students from secondary schools across the country emerged as outstanding performers in this year’s preliminary CAPE results.
David Sugrim of Queen’s College recorded the highest performance, securing Grade One passes in 11 units and Grade Two passes in seven units.
His Queen’s College colleagues also featured prominently among the leading performers.
Toreka Persaud and Mahesa Boodhoo each secured Grade One passes in nine units, while Savannah Bovell earned Grade Ones in eight units.
Dave Chowtie secured Grade One passes in six units and Grade Twos in four units, while Annessa Hussain earned six Grade Ones and one Grade Two.
Malique Lindore recorded six Grade Ones, five Grade Twos, two Grade Threes and three Grade Fours.
Siddiqah Nizamudeen earned six Grade Ones, while Maria Pertabsingh secured six Grade Ones and two Grade Twos.
Shanel Storm also secured six Grade Ones and one Grade Two.
Outside of Queen’s College, Affianne Kellman of St Stanislaus College earned six Grade Ones, three Grade Twos and one Grade Three.
Janee Greene of Mackenzie High School secured six Grade One passes.
Meanwhile, there are currently 18 public and private institutions offering CAPE in Guyana.
Diamond Secondary School participated in CAPE for the first time this year and recorded a preliminary pass rate of 96.8 per cent.
The government has attributed the continued growth in participation and performance to sustained investment in education and initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for students.
The minister said the results should not be viewed simply as an endpoint, but as an opportunity for students to pursue further education, training and employment.