Our History

Charlemont High School was founded by former  Member of Parliament, the late John “Jack”  Stephenson, who saw the need for a secondary level  institution in North St. Catherine. With the  assistance from the Lions Club of North St.  Catherine, the Soroptimist Club of Linstead, private  individuals, Alcan Jamaica Company, and the  Norwegian government, funds were realized for the  erection of a school building on the property  bequeathed by the late Custos McGrath. 

On September1, 1978 the first batch, consisting of  240 students (120 boys and 120 girls) was admitted.  The staff complement was 12 teachers, and  principal, Mr. Ruel Forsythe. Today we have 87  teachers and approximately 1500 students. The  institution has revolutionized over its 45-year  existence. In 1981 and again in 1998, major expansions occurred; thus, facilitating the  opportunity to provide quality education to its ever growing intake of students. Our 6th form  programme commenced October 5, 1998, and  Member of Parliament Hon. Robert Pickersgill  witnessed this milestone. 

The school continues to boast about its well rounded alumni who have established themselves as  pillars of society. Their vocations vary from the  field of Medicine, Law, Academia and Sports.

In the CXC examinations at CSEC and CAPE  levels, our results frequently surpass the national  average; and in many subject areas have achieved  100% pass rate. 

There is a vibrant extra-curricular involvement and  students have excelled in the Festivals of the  Performing Arts, Essay Competition and Culinary  Arts, just to name a few. Notably, is the fact that the  school’s band is rated as one of the best in Jamaica. 

We continue to Strive for Excellence and are  committed to the task of equipping our students for  nation building.