SBAs remain mandatory for 2027 CSEC candidates – Education Ministry

The Education Ministry has reminded secondary schools that School-Based Assessments (SBAs) remain mandatory for students preparing to write the 2027 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.
The Ministry issued the directive on Monday following an advisory from the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), clarifying requirements for the 2027 examination cycle.
According to the Ministry, Grade 11 students enrolled in CSEC subjects requiring an SBA must complete all prescribed assessment requirements by the March 2027 submission deadline.
The Ministry also stressed that Paper Three is not authorised as a substitute for an SBA for secondary school students in the 2027 examination cycle.
As such, schools have been directed not to instruct or permit students to undertake Paper Three in place of an SBA, or to advise parents and students that such a replacement is allowed.
The Ministry said students who are required to complete SBAs should resume or continue their assessment tasks immediately. Schools are also expected to provide sufficient instructional time, guidance and supervision to allow students to refine and complete their work ahead of the deadline.
Headteachers have been instructed to oversee the resumption of SBA activities across all departments and monitor students’ progress towards completion. They are also expected to provide targeted support to students who require additional assistance.
Education Officers will conduct visits to schools in the regions to review SBA progress records and engage school administrators to determine whether candidates are on track to meet the requirements.
The Ministry said the directives are intended to clarify Guyana’s requirements following advice from CXC concerning plans to discontinue SBAs for 13 subjects beginning in 2028, with conditional implementation starting in 2027.
However, the Education Ministry confirmed that all existing SBA requirements remain in effect for Guyana’s 2027 CSEC cohort.