Dominica’s 2025 examination results at both the CAPE and CCSLC levels reflect encouraging gains alongside persistent challenges, according to Chief Education Officer Dr. Jeffrey Blaize, who presented the data during the official release of the island’s CXC results.
CAPE Performance
This year, 144 candidates wrote CAPE examinations, comprising 99 females and 45 males. The number represented a small decline of six candidates compared to 2024. Of these, 111 candidates (77%) passed at least one unit with acceptable grades, while 33 candidates (23%) did not pass any units.
Overall, Dominica recorded an 80% pass rate, up from 76.22% in 2024, a 12% performance improvement, though still below the regional average of 93.2%.
Female candidates again outperformed their male counterparts across most units. Grade fives were the most common passing grade awarded to both genders. Despite this, Dominica recorded 100% pass rates in 11 units, including Information Technology Unit 2, Computer Science Unit 2, and Caribbean Studies.
“This year’s results show that while we celebrate strong performances in certain subjects, we must continue to push for balance across all disciplines,” Blaize said.
CCSLC Performance
At the CCSLC level, participation was the highest in five years, with 715 students entering the exams, 387 males and 328 females, representing an increase of 76 candidates over 2024.
The outcomes showed that 486 students (68%) achieved mastery or competence. Within that group, 157 students (22%) attained mastery in all subjects, while 193 students (27%) achieved competence only. Conversely, 93 students (13%) did not pass any subjects, and 50 students (7%) were absent from the exams altogether, an issue Blaize described as troubling given that the government covers the costs of Mathematics and English entries.
Subject performance varied significantly. English Language was a highlight, placing Dominica 10th in the region, with the SDA Academy maintaining a 100% pass rate in English and Maths for three consecutive years. Spanish also recorded a remarkable improvement, with pass rates increasing from 48.3% in 2024 to 67.6% in 2025, a jump of 19.3%.
“The CCSLC platform gives students the competencies to progress with confidence, but we need greater consistency in how schools prepare candidates,” Blaize noted.
Priorities for Continued Improvement
The Ministry of Education has pledged to address the persistent gaps through reforms in digital literacy, consistent attendance, and early preparation for CCSLC entries. At the CAPE level, officials plan to bolster weaker subjects while sustaining excellent results in emerging areas such as Tourism and Information Technology.
With participation climbing and pass rates improving, the data shows that Dominica is moving in the right direction. However, as Blaize stressed, maintaining momentum will require continued collaboration between teachers, parents, and policymakers to ensure balanced performance across all subject areas.
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