Founded September 1961, with 13 student at the Church of God of Prophecy, this institution is now known as the Buckfield Basic School, located at 1 Buckfield Road, Ocho Rios, St Ann. Fifty-three years old and growing Buckfield Basic School now accommodates a population of 221 students age 3-6 from various locations in St. Ann as far away as Moneague and even Oracabessa in St Mary. Thirteen staff members including principal, teachers, cook and security guard serve the students.The school was started by Adina Senior, mother of current principal Molrene Senior Hawthorne. Ms Senior used her resources to help create what is now a well established and respected Buckfield Basic School.
After Adina Senior retired in 1990 Karlene Bryan took the role as principal, Molrene Senior Hawthorne was chosen as the new principal in 2001. Mrs Senior- Hawthorne stated that “the school is special because the school was founded by my mother who started with 13 students at the church, it is special because most of what has been acquired, everything was done by her own hands, her own money her own labour.”Instruction is guided by the Early Childhood Commission Curriculum and students have been doing well over the past years. The school counts among its past students, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, former head of the army and former commissioner of police. This year there will also be an end of year treat for children instead of the annual school’s Carol service.
