PEP 2025 Exam Dates & Deadlines — Full Schedule for Parents
For many Jamaican families, Grade 6 is one of the busiest and most emotional years of primary school. With multiple PEP assessments spread across months, it can be difficult to keep track of everything your child needs to complete.
This guide gives you a simple, clear breakdown of all PEP 2025 exam dates and deadlines, plus helpful parent reminders so your child stays organised, calm, and fully prepared.
Understanding the PEP Exam Schedule
The PEP (Primary Exit Profile) assessments take place over several months, not on a single exam day.
Because each assessment is different (Performance Tasks, the Ability Test, and Curriculum-Based Tests) the Ministry of Education spreads them out to give students the best opportunity to perform well.
Below is the parent-friendly breakdown of when each PEP 2025 component is expected to happen based on the Ministry’s annual schedule.
PEP Timeline — Month-by-Month Guide
📅 January–February: School-Based Preparation & Registration Review
At the start of the year:
Schools confirm their Grade 6 PEP registration lists
Teachers help students finalise topics and project tasks
Parents receive reminders about required documents and readiness steps
This is an excellent time to begin light revision and support routines at home.
📅 March: PEP Ability Test (First National Assessment)
The Ability Test is usually the first major PEP assessment each year.
Students sit this exam on a single day across the island.
It assesses:
Verbal reasoning
Quantitative reasoning
Logic
Problem-solving skills
Since this exam is not based on specific school subjects, it often feels unfamiliar to students. Encouraging children to stay calm and confident is key.
📅 April: PEP Performance Tasks
PEP Performance Tasks can cover a range of subjects, including:
Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
These tasks are mostly completed in school, under teacher supervision, and reflect how well students apply knowledge to real-life situations.
Parents should support their child with:
Research skills
Reading practice
Organising written responses
Managing time effectively
Performance Tasks contribute significantly to a child’s final profile.
📅 May–June: PEP Curriculum-Based Tests
This is the traditional “exam-style” testing period.
Students sit Curriculum-Based Tests for:
Mathematics
Language Arts
Social Studies
Science
These tests include multiple choice, short answers, and structured responses, and they cover the syllabus taught in upper primary school.
This is the point where consistent home practice (reading, past papers, comprehension exercises, maths drills) becomes incredibly valuable.
📅 June–July: Ministry Review and Data Processing
During this period, the Ministry of Education:
Reviews scores
Moderates Performance Tasks
Compiles student profiles
Processes school-choice information
Prepares the final placement list
Parents should ensure all school-choice forms are submitted correctly and on time, as these influence the final school assignment.
📅 July: Release of PEP Results & Secondary School Placement
Results and placement lists are typically released in late June or early July.
Parents receive:
Student Profile Reports
Placement Letters
Personalised feedback on strengths and areas for improvement
This is an exciting moment, and understanding how to interpret the results will help guide your child into Grade 7 confidently.
Key Deadlines Parents Should Remember
Because timelines may shift slightly from year to year, it’s important to watch for official announcements. However, here are the most important deadlines families should plan for:
1. Choice of School Form Submission
Usually due before Curriculum-Based Tests.
This form significantly influences placement, so take time to choose wisely.
2. Identification & Documentation Deadlines
Schools will request:
Birth certificate
Passport-sized photos
Student information updates
Parent contact details
Ensure all documents are ready early in the year.
3. Mock Exam Season
Most schools hold mock exams between January and May. These help teachers track readiness and give parents a sense of performance.
4. Revision Planning Milestones
Parents should ideally begin structured revision by:
January: light revision
March: ability-test preparation
April–May: full exam preparation
The earlier your child settles into a routine, the more confident they will feel.
How Parents Can Stay Organised Throughout the PEP Year
Keeping track of dates, forms, tests, and communication can feel like a lot.
These simple strategies help:
✓ Use a dedicated PEP folder
Store all school letters, forms, schedules, and reports in one place.
✓ Create a home calendar
Mark all important deadlines clearly. Children enjoy seeing their countdown and progress.
✓ Talk to your child regularly
Ask them how they feel about upcoming assessments. Encouragement goes a long way.
✓ Build small habits early
Short daily review sessions are more effective than cramming.
✓ Partner with teachers
They have the best understanding of what each child needs before each assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions About PEP 2025 Exam Dates
1. Will all PEP 2025 assessments be held in person?
Yes. All PEP components are conducted in person at schools across the island.
2. Can exam dates change?
The Ministry occasionally adjusts dates due to public holidays, weather events, or national events. Schools will notify parents immediately.
3. Are Performance Tasks done at home?
No. All Performance Tasks are completed in school.
4. When should we expect results?
Usually late June or early July.
5. How early should I begin preparing my child?
Grade 5 is ideal, but focused Grade 6 preparation is still highly effective.
Final Thoughts for Parents
PEP can feel overwhelming, but knowing the key dates and deadlines makes the process far more manageable. When parents stay organised and informed, children feel more secure and confident, and that confidence often leads to better performance.
Whether you’re preparing for the Ability Test, the Performance Tasks, or the Curriculum-Based Tests, the goal is the same:
steady, balanced preparation and calm support at home.
You’re doing a great job and with the full PEP 2025 schedule in hand, you and your child can move through the year with clarity and confidence.
