OVERVIEW

In the early 18th century, Jamaica’s then-acting Lieutenant governor, Peter Beckford, left 1,000 pounds sterling in his will to build a free school for the poor.
This free school of St Jago de-la Vega opened its doors in 1744 and catered to high school boys.

The Smith's Charity School was opened in 1833 after the honourable Francis Smith left three thousand (3,000) pounds sterling to establish a school.
Following the school’s establishment, the Smith’s Charity School merged with the Free School of St Jago de-la Vega to become Beckford and Smith High School for Boys in 1846.

Later, Archbishop Nuttal established The Cathedral High School for Girls in 1897. The events did not stop there, as the Cathedral High School for Girls amalgamated with the Beckford and Smith High School for Boys in 1958.
Reverting to a name closer to the original, the institution was named St Jago High School. This distinguished institution is one of the oldest continuously operating schools in the Western Hemisphere.

Following the numerous stages of development, the school has moved from the corner of Young and Beckford Streets, the grounds of the St James Cathedral, and the Old Assembly Buildings in the Spanish Town square to its current location: 33 Monk Street on grounds formally known as Ravensworth.

Today in its 280th year, St Jago continues to excel in academics, the sporting arena, and the arts and live by its motto, Labor Omnia Vincit. St Jago High continues to create a nourishing environment for our youth’s development and continued educational growth.

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Executive Team




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Acting Principal

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Acting Vice-Principal

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Acting Vice-Principal

Academics


At Saint Jago High School, we believe in fostering a lifelong love of learning through a comprehensive, student-centered approach to education. Our academic philosophy goes beyond traditional instruction, embracing a holistic model that nurtures intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and the development of essential life skills. Our academic programs are designed to challenge students while providing a supportive environment that emphasizes:

Critical Thinking: We equip our students with the tools to analyze complex problems, evaluate information from multiple perspectives, and make reasoned decisions. By encouraging inquiry-based learning and thoughtful reflection, we help students develop the intellectual agility necessary to navigate today’s rapidly changing world.

Creativity: At Saint Jago, we encourage our students to think outside the box and approach challenges with innovation and originality. From the arts to the sciences, students are given opportunities to explore new ideas and experiment with creative problem-solving strategies, preparing them to be adaptive thinkers and leaders in their future endeavors.

Collaboration: We understand that the ability to work effectively with others is a critical skill for success. Through group projects, team-based learning, and interdisciplinary studies, we teach students how to collaborate, communicate, and build on the strengths of their peers. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community and prepares our students to contribute meaningfully to society. In addition to academic excellence, our curriculum also focuses on character development, instilling values such as responsibility, integrity, and respect. We believe that education is not only about knowledge acquisition but also about shaping well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact in the world.




Clubs n' Societies







4-H Club


Focuses on community service, leadership, and skill-building in areas like agriculture, health, and citizenship.

Angels of Love


A charity-focused club promoting kindness, empathy, and support for those in need.

Art Club


Encourages creativity and self-expression through various art forms like painting, drawing, and sculpture.

Astronomical Society


Explores the wonders of space, astronomy, and stargazing.

Aviation Club


Introduces members to aviation principles, flight simulation, and career opportunities.

Badminton Club


Develops skills and teamwork in the sport of badminton.

Badminton Team


Develops skills in the sport of badminton.

Cadet Unit


Builds discipline, leadership, and citizenship through military-style training.

Cheerleading Team


Promotes school spirit, athleticism, and teamwork through cheerleading routines.

Chess Club


Encourages strategic thinking, problem-solving, and competitive play.

Choir


Develops vocal skills, harmony, and performance techniques.

Cosmetology Club


Explores beauty, fashion, and grooming techniques.

Culinary Arts Club


Develops cooking skills, nutrition knowledge, and culinary creativity.

Dance Society


Develops cooking skills, nutrition knowledge, and culinary creativity.

Darts Club


Encourages focus, strategy, and friendly competition.

Debate and Literary Arts Society


Fosters critical thinking, public speaking, and literary appreciation.

Debate Team


Engages in organized argumentation to persuade others that their position is correct.

Drama Club


Develops acting, scriptwriting, and theatrical production skills.

Drum Circle


Encourages musical expression, rhythm, and teamwork.

Emerging Global Leaders Jamaica


Prepares students for leadership roles in global issues.

Energy Club


Explores sustainable energy solutions, conservation, and environmentalism.

Engineering Club


Introduces members to engineering principles, design, and innovation.

Environmental Network


Promotes eco-awareness, conservation, and sustainability.

Financial Literacy Programme


Educates members on personal finance, budgeting, and investing.

Fitness Club


Encourages physical fitness, wellness, and healthy lifestyles.

Foreign Language Association


Explores languages, cultures, and global communication.

Girl Guides Association


Empowers girls through leadership, community service, and skill-building.

Glee Club


Combines singing, acting, and performance techniques.

Home Economics Society


Combines singing, acting, and performance techniques.

Sports & Performing Arts


Track and Feild


Develops athleticism, teamwork, and competitive spirit in track and field events.

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Football


Fosters teamwork, strategy, and physical fitness through football, for students under 16 and 19

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Badminton


Develops skills and teamwork in the sport of badminton.

Basketball


Fosters teamwork, strategy, and physical fitness through basketball, for students under the age of 16 and 19.

Netball


Fosters teamwork, strategy, and physical fitness through basketball, for students under the age of 16 and 19.

Table Tennis


Help students to develop their swim skills, including strokes, turns, and speed.

Volleyball


Develops teamwork, strategy, and physical fitness through volleyball.

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Chess


Encourages teamwork, strategic thinking, and mental agility through chess, helping players develop problem-solving skills and patience while fostering a sense of community.

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Choir


Develops vocal skills, harmony, and performance techniques.

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Drama Club


Develops acting, scriptwriting, and theatrical production skills

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Dance Club


Develops dance techniques, choreography skills, and performance production expertise

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Music Band


Help students develop their musical talents, express themselves and build confidence.

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