ALL SYSTEMS are go for next month's Common Entrance Exam.

According to Senior Education Officer (Testing and Measurement) Michael Hoyte: "There are approximately 3 684 students sitting the exam this year – 1857 males and 1827 females."

Official ministry statistics also reveal that of the 12 early sitters, ten are girls. There are 184 deferrals, of whom 18 are Class 4 students. Of the remaining 166 student deferrals, there are 103 males.

Hoyte said that on Tuesday, May 13, there would be 218 non-nationals sitting the exam.

This year will be the first time that two hearing-impaired students will be sitting the exam and, according to Hoyte, "The ministry has already made preparations to facilitate their particular needs. The two students of the Irving Wilson School will be provided with an interpreter."

This year will once again see all 22 secondary schools being used as exam centres.

"All other preparations for the exam have been made. The police have been informed, the Transport Board has been notified and the School Meals Department has also been informed," Hoyte stated. (BGIS)