Merged St Catherine high school launched

Education Minister Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon yesterday officially launched Hydel Cumberland High School in St Catherine, coinciding with the start of the 2026/27 academic year.

The institution was established through the merger of the Hydel and Cumberland high schools in the parish. Speaking during the launch ceremony at the Cumberland campus in Portmore, Morris Dixon emphasised that the merger does not in any way mean the erasure of either institution.

“Both schools have strong histories, and we have to maintain that as we move forward. So our goal is to bring the best of two proud traditions together… building a new institution capable of achieving even more,” she said. She expressed confidence that the merger offers the best opportunity for students, as it will enable more effective use of the resources available at the Cumberland facility.

Morris Dixon noted that the Cumberland campus, with a capacity of 1,200 students, was underutilised, enrolling just over 300 students. Conversely, she pointed out that the Hydel campus, which serves 600 students, was facing infrastructure challenges despite the Government having assumed responsibility for its secondary-level operations.

“Rather than maintaining duplicated administrative and support structures or undertaking significant new infrastructure expenditure elsewhere, we have an opportunity to bring resources together and direct more of them towards teaching, learning, and student development,” Morris Dixon reasoned.

Highlighting investments at the newly merged institution, the minister noted that $70 million has already been invested in upgrading the electrical system. Additionally, plans are in place to modernise the home economics laboratory to world-class standards, reinforcing the school’s position as a technical and vocational education and training centre of excellence. Further improvements will focus on upgrading the sports facilities and expanding the car park to support an increased complement of teaching staff.

Principal Carlon Pitt assured stakeholders that academics remain at the forefront of the institution’s agenda, announcing a series of immediate curriculum enhancements.

“I am pleased to report that a comprehensive timetable has already been formulated, providing our students with broader opportunities and stronger academic pathways,” he said. Pitt further announced the introduction of a traditional sixth-form programme, marking a first for the campus, which previously offered only a technical sixth form. He also stated that science subject offerings have been expanded, and plans are under way to establish an agricultural laboratory.