The number of students in Antigua and Barbuda sitting the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) has fallen sharply, despite a strong overall pass rate.

Just 297 candidates registered for CAPE in 2025, compared with 553 in 2019. The pass rate stood at 86.4%, but education officials say the decline reflects changing pathways into higher education.

Dr Myrick Smith, the local CXC registrar, noted that many students now gain direct entry into the University of the West Indies (UWI) without needing CAPE subjects, reducing the incentive to remain in school for an additional two years.

While this option has widened access, the trend has sparked debate about whether students may be missing out on the deeper preparation that CAPE provides before tertiary study.

“CAPE gives students two years of advanced study, similar to A-levels, which can strengthen readiness for university,” Dr Smith said. He suggested the issue was “worthy of discussion” at the policy level.

The Ministry of Education is expected to review the results as part of its wider analysis of academic performance, amid concerns that the long-term decline could weaken the academic foundation of future undergraduates.