11-Year-Old Rachel Liz Ottley Makes History with CSEC Success
August 22, 2025 – In an extraordinary display of academic excellence, 11-year-old Rachel Liz Ottley of North Regional SDA Primary School has captured the island’s attention by achieving a Grade One in the 2024 CSEC English Literature examination—an exam typically undertaken by students several years her senior.
Rachel not only tackled the challenge head-on but excelled, earning straight A’s across her portfolio. Her outstanding performance is a testament to her discipline, determination, and innate talent, and it has brought tremendous pride to her school, family, and the wider Tobago community.
In recognition of her exceptional achievement, Rachel was honoured with a special Secretary’s Award—the first of its kind—from the Division of Education, Research, and Technology. Going forward, this award will be presented to other students who demonstrate extraordinary academic performance and surpass expectations, just as Rachel has done.
Her success story serves as a powerful inspiration to young learners across the island, proving that age is no barrier when passion and perseverance are present.
