About Sir John A. Cumber Primary School

A government primary school in West Bay that takes children from the ages of 4 to 11 (Reception to Year 6).

The Sir John A. Cumber Primary School is located in the district of West Bay in Grand Cayman, a heartbeat away from the picturesque Seven Mile Beach, Boatswains Beach and the Cayman Turtle Centre, among many other locations.

They are the largest primary school on the island and they have 505 students and 60 teachers with 27 teaching assistants (as of November 2020). The school follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum in Reception/KG, the Cayman Islands National Primary Curriculum was supplemented the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.

There are three classes in each of Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, and four classes in each of Years 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Their November 2020 School Inspection Report graded the school as 'Satisfactory'. Key points to take from the report include the following:

1) Compared to local and international standards, students progress in English, Maths and Science was weak. For example, in Reception/KG only a few children recognised the letters of the alphabet so where not ready to learn to read. By the end of Year 1 most children could name the letters and sounds but only a small handful could form the letters correctly when asked to write them.
2) In Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6) the majority of students used basic punctuation to write but were unable to use it to read with expression. In guided reading almost all students were reading simple texts which were well below the standard expected for their age. In phonic screening tests almost all students were well below age-appropriate expectations.
3) Attainment in Maths was weak across the school. In Reception/KG for example, only a minority of students were able to count to 10. In Key Stage 1 (Years 1 to 2) during Maths lessons only a few students were able to confidently solve simple problems.
4) Students' weak literacy skills had an adverse impact on their ability to understand and access aspects of the science curriculum.
5) Students' behaviour was judged to be satisfactory. The majority of students demonstrated a positive attitude to learning. They followed the school rules willingly. Most students behaved well in lessons, at lunchtime and at playtime. However, attendance is weak.
6) The quality of teaching was satisfactory rather than good in most lessons because work did not meet the diverse needs of all the students in the class: for the students who were very capable it did not challenge them enough, and for the student that needed additional learning support it was too difficult.

More Information:

Principal: Mrs. Jovanna Wright

Catchment Area: Area north of Government House up to Cobalt Coast and including all of West Bay.

To view their most recent school inspection reports please see here:

Sir John A. Cumber Primary School - Overall Progress Assessed as 'Weak' x 2 and Satisfactory x 1
Full School Inspection Report - Sir John Cumber School - November 2020
2nd Follow-Through Inspection Report - Sir John Cumber Primary School - January 2019
Follow-Through Inspection Report - Sir John Cumber Primary School - April 2018

Extracurricular Activities

There are two 'After-School Programmes' available to students. One is run by the YMCA and takes place on the school site. Several members of school staff work in the programme although it is not part of the school day or part of their teaching contract with the Ministry. The other Programme is run by a local Church. Children are collected from their classrooms and escorted to the Programme. If parents would like more information on either of these Programmes, please contact the School Office.

Other extracurricular activities offered include: Netball, Football and the Spelling Bee.