School History

Ascot opened its doors to five hundred and seventeen (517) students ranging from grades 7-9 on September 1, 1997. The need for a high school in the relatively new community of Greater Portmore was pressing and so the demand for placement at the school was overwhelming. The school admitted students from several communities and socio- economic backgrounds; as a result, we were faced with many challenges to ensure that discipline was maintained and that all would be given equal opportunity to excel.

The staff compliment was thirty one (31) teachers, three (3) administrative and five (5) ancillary staff, headed by Mr. Joseph Earle who came to Ascot with a wealth of knowledge and experience. He was a pioneer in his field and had great vision for this institution which he ensured was instituted during his three years and four months as Principal. Presently the school population consists of over one thousand three hundred (1300) students, eighty (80) teachers, nine (9) administrative staff and eleven (11) ancillary staff.

Ascot High quickly built a solid reputation by creating a culture of values and excellence, hard work and dedication from both its students and staff. At the first sitting of the C.X.C and G.C.E examinations twenty one students passed three or more subjects and participated in the school’s first graduation in November 2000. Our largest graduating class was in 2015, where more than one hundred students graduated with three or more subjects. Although the school had limited resources one of the department that excelled because of the commitment and dedication of its teachers is the Home and Family Department in the area of Food and Nutrition with 100% passes.

Today the school has established three Home and Family labs, three Science labs, one Chemistry, one biology and one Physics lab, three Computer labs, auto mechanic, woodwork, cosmetology, electrical, a performing arts department and a well stocked library.

In order to ensure that our students were well-rounded, several clubs and society were established: Spanish, Science, Red Cross, Interact, Key, and many other clubs. A student council body was also established during the first two years.

The school entered its first ISSA competition in September 1999, participating in the under-13 Pepsi football competition. Our first match in this competition was played against the then defending champions Excelsior High School. In our first year in the Manning cup competition the team won a medal for the most disciplined team. Our records show that the school won gold at the Boys and Girls Championship in the 400m class 2 boys event, and a silver medal in the girls class 3 400m. The school’s under-15 netball team also reached the final of the ISSA netball competition in 2005.

With a solid legacy to build on, Mr. Cedric Murray took over as Principal in 2002. At this time the school received funding to expand its Information Technology and Reading Departments. These areas were well equipped along with other areas such as the Library, Science and Home & Family labs.

Mr. Cedric Murray added his own mark to this institution by setting up a dynamic performing arts department which has participated in the JCDC festival of performing arts and has won many medals in music, dance and drama. Fifteen students sat the theatre arts C.X.C examination for the first time in 2006 of which the school received a 93% pass.

The cosmetology lab was also established and is presently doing well. The Heart Trust NTA has provided the level one course they offer to our students at grade 10. These students are given the opportunity to continue this programme at Heart Trust NTA at level 2 after leaving school or can use their certification from level one to obtain employment.

The school has recently collaborated with Excelsior Community College and the Heart Trust NTA for the Performing Arts and Home and Family Department. This was a significant move to provide our students with additional, knowledge skills and training in these areas. The Performing Arts students will be able to pursue an associate degree in Theatre Arts at The Excelsior Community College after leaving high school. While the Students who have completed the Home and Family courses are provided with training in Soft Furnishing and Drapery making by Heart   Trust NTA.

The school continues to grow in all aspect, and many of our graduates can be found in the University of the West Indies, University of Technology, Teachers College and other local and overseas colleges. This is testament to the fact that Ascot has made major strides since its inception in 1997.