The History of the Roger Clarke High School

(Formerly the Balaclava High School)

Nestled in the mountainous region of North East St Elizabeth, the Roger

Clarke High School (formerly the Balaclava High School) had its genesis in the

1970’s. The idea for building a school in Balaclava was conceived by Claude

Watson the then councilor of the Balaclava division. The school was officially

opened on October 1, 1976 bearing the name Balaclava Secondary School.

The school was founded as a co-educational institution and was built with

the capacity to accommodate 400 students. Initially, when Balaclava Secondary

School opened its doors in 1976, under the distinguished leadership of the school’s

first principal, Mr. Dundee Hewitt; 191 students were enrolled. The daily

operations of the school was further strengthened by an academic staff of three

trained teachers twelve pre-trained teachers and two administrative staff.

Today the school has an enrolment of approximately 800 students. The staff

over the years has grown to include 42 teachers, one Vice principal and Principal

and several support staff with both administrative and ancillary staff.

Balaclava Secondary began with three grades. This included grades 7, 8 and

9 classes. In 1977 classes for grades 10 and 11 were introduced. In 1978 the shift

system was introduced to respond to an increase in the number of students who

were now attending the school.

 In 1984 the shift system was changed to an “Extended Day System” and

later back to the shift system. In 2015 with the construction of eight new

classrooms the school officially began operating on a full day basis hence the

removal of the shift system.

The school has experienced several name changes over the years. In 1995

the school’s name was changed from Balaclava Secondary to Balaclava

Comprehensive. Five years later, in the year 2000, Balaclava Comprehensive was

upgraded by the government of Jamaica to the Balaclava High School. On May 14,

2015 a declaration was made by the then Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most

Honourable Mrs. Portia Simpson Miller for the renaming of the school to the

Roger Clarke High School. This was in memory of the late Minister of Agriculture

the Honourable Roger Clarke, who served as a longstanding Member of Parliament

for the North East St. Elizabeth constituency where the school is located.

Over the years the school has managed to reap many successes. This

includes producing professionals, some of whom have returned to teach at the

school. Several top passes in CSEC examinations and several students who have

represented the school in many external functions and competitions.