The Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) in Jamaica is administered to students in the year in which they are expected to conclude their primary education. It assesses students for placement in secondary schools, where they are expected to continue their education by building on the foundation that they received at the primary level.

The education system in Jamaica is characterized by differences in the achievements of male and female students. As a follow-up to previous studies conducted in urban Jamaica, this study sought to determine if differences can be observed in the educational achievement at the pre-school level in selected Caribbean countries by examining the competencies of male and female students in Guyana, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  Using a mixed methodology, the study also sought to identify factors which impede and facilitate transition to primary school.