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Bermuda's Education in Public and Private Schools

After secondary schooling at home or abroad, those qualified go overseas to universities

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By Keith Archibald Forbes (see About Us) at e-mail exclusively for Bermuda Online

To refer to this webfile, please use "bermuda-online.org/educate.htm" as your Subject

Bermuda Parishes

There are schools in every one of the nine Bermuda Parishes.

Introduction

Newcomers working in Bermuda or the spouse of a newcomer with a young child or children should note that all schools in Bermuda are taught in English only. None are bilingual. Bermuda is a tiny island of only 21 square miles or 56 kilometers in total land area. The educational system here is completely independent of the systems of any foreign country such as the United Kingdom, USA or Canada or beyond. Unlike in far larger countries with significant multi-cultural populations and cultural and educational facilities and laws and faculties to match, no laws or facilities of any kind exist (because there is no or insufficient demand for them) in Bermuda for non-English-speaking children to be taught while at school in any language other than English. It is perhaps for this reason that most non-Bermudian newcomers tend to be either childless or with grown-up children or have teenage children studying abroad, in their own countries or elsewhere outside of Bermuda - such as in USA or Canada or Europe or United Kingdom. 

All education, whether at a Bermuda Government funded or maintained and taxpayer-supported school (a public school) or private school (not taxpayer-supported but with fees paid by parents)  is administered and controlled by the Bermuda Government's Ministry of Education and Development, 7 Point Finger Road, Paget DV 04, P. O. Box HM 1185, Hamilton HM EX phone (441) 236-6904. Fax 236-4006, Bermuda. All enquiries about education in Bermuda not shown in this file should be directed to the latter, not to this author. 

All teachers in Bermuda, whether Bermudian or married to one or an expatriate teacher on a contract, must hold a licence from the Bermuda Educators Council (BEC).  There are about 700 public school teachers. All expatriate teachers on one year contracts were advised in May 2011, that they will not be renewed.

Public education in Bermuda at Bermuda Government owned or maintained schools is conducted by accredited and qualified teachers who must be certified by the Bermuda Government and are members of the Bermuda Union of Teachers (BUT), at Seventy Two Teachers' Place, 72 Church Street, Hamilton HM 12. P. O. Box HM 726, Hamilton HM CX. Phone (441) 292 6515. Fax (441) 292 0697. Founded February 1, 1919. In 1964, it combined with the Teachers Association of Bermuda (see book The Teachers Association of Bermuda (1949 to 1964).The result was the Amalgamated Bermuda Union of Teachers. Any accredited and qualified teacher at any private school in Bermuda can also become a member of BUT if they wish. It has a representative on the Labor Advisory Council and Public Service Superannuation Board, both Bermuda Government Boards. 

Non-nationals accepting teaching posts in Bermuda from the United Kingdom should note that unlike in the UK there are

The Bermuda Educators Council Act came into effect in July 2002. It improves standards in the profession and increases the esteem in which teachers are held. It sets the framework for registration, not for licensing, but as a result all Bermudian and imported teachers - not those in an administrative role - will now have to be licensed.  

The Education Amendment Act 2003, among other things, sets the stage for the regulation of home schools.

Education in Bermuda is compulsory for all children from 5 to 16. It is free for parents of students at Government schools, namely  primary schools, middle schools, senior schools and special schools - all day schools - comprising preschools, junior, special and secondary schools - administered by Bermuda's Ministry of Education. It is NOT free for parents of students at local private day schools (there are no local boarding schools in Bermuda). 

Newcomers with children of school age can choose whether to enroll them in a Government or private school, in Bermuda or overseas.

Government schools (public schools)

Taxpayer-funded, unlike private schools which are not. The mission of Government-owned or maintained schools, also known in Bermuda as public schools, is the provision of an environment in which each student may develop academic, practical and physical skills; practice critical and creative thinking; exemplify aesthetic, social, moral and spiritual values which characterize a secure, self-confident individual who is capable of constructive participation in the community and effective functioning in an age of change, with life-long, self-directed learning.

All teachers in the government schools are eligible for membership in the Amalgamated Bermuda Union of Teachers, which negotiates salaries and conditions of service. All principals in government schools are eligible for membership in the Association of School Principals, which similarly represents their interests. Programmes of professional development, salaries and conditions of service for teachers and principals have been continually improved. Negotiations on these terms of employment take place every two years and their outcome is confirmed in published agreements with the Government.

Questions about any government schools should be directed to the Ministry of Education at telephone (441) 236-6904 extension 3659 or 3660. 

Government grants for primary education began in 1816. The government educational system of today derives, however, from the Schools Act 1879 and is based on the traditional British pattern. The Education Act 1949 established the right of all children within what was then the compulsory school age (7 to 13) to receive free primary education. By 1969, the compulsory school age had been expanded to 5 to 16 and all children within that age are entitled to free primary and secondary education. In 1985 the Education Act was amended to entitle children to remain in secondary school up to the age of 19 years in order to complete the secondary programme.

The government system comprises a number of primary schools, access to which is determined mainly on the basis of proximity of residence to a school. The system at secondary level consists of a fewer number of schools, is selective and is divided between academic and general schools. Principals of the secondary schools select pupils on the basis of performance in an examination taken at the end of the primary school stage and of parental preference. Technical and prevocational education is provided in the general secondary schools. Provision is also made for the education of children with special needs in six special schools, which have been in operation for more than 20 years, and in special programme classes, which have operated for more than 10 years, in regular primary and secondary schools. Special education provides a continuum of services appropriate to the range of special needs of the students concerned. Free education is provided in a number of pre-schools for four-year-old children. Curriculum guides at all levels have been in place for several years. At the pre-schools, the curriculum objectives are related to social, cognitive and motor development, as well as to language, mathematics, social studies and science. The Government has restructured the educational system in order to remove selectivity from the secondary level and to provide equal access to the curriculum for all students. The system has three levels -primary, middle and senior secondary. The Bermuda College, which was incorporated by the Bermuda College Act 1974, offers opportunities for higher education in liberal arts, business studies, hotel administration and technology. The College, a publicly funded institution, provides a two-year university transfer programme which enables qualified students to enter the third year of a four-year institution in North America. The two-year diploma was accepted as the equivalent of "A" levels in the United Kingdom and enables students to enter the first year of selected universities there. The College operates a Faculty of Adult and Continuing Education which enables persons already in the workforce to upgrade their skills. The Adult Education School, a private institution which receives a government grant through the Bermuda College, provides a means by which those who have not gained secondary school certification may do so through the General Education Development (GED) programme developed in the United States. The Government operates an extensive financial aid scheme to assist students seeking higher education in institutions outside Bermuda. A satisfactory academic performance and demonstration of financial need are two of the principal criteria for the receipt of such aid. In addition, there are Bermuda Government Scholarships based on academic merit and commitment to the teaching profession.

From 2009 began the full implementation of the Cambridge International Curriculum in all Bermuda's public schools. The Cambridge International Curriculum was chosen for a host of reasons, including the ease with which Bermudians can pursue higher education in the UK, where the curriculum's IGCSE qualifications are recognized. The Bermuda School Certificate from the old curriculum was not recognized at British universities. The new curriculum gives Bermudians better opportunities to be accepted for study in the UK, with the rights they have to live and work in Britain and to take advantage of the reduced fees for all Britons, including Bermudians, at UK universities.

Government preschools

Children must be 4 years old between January 1 and December 31. They must be resident in the same zone as the preschool to which application is made. Prospect Pre-School will accept applications from persons living in either Devonshire Parish or Pembroke Parish. Southampton Preschool will accept applications from persons living in Sandys Parish providing the home address falls within the MA 06 postal zone. These are the only Sandys residents who will be considered at Southampton Preschool.

Priority in enrolment is given to younger four year olds, namely, those children born on the latter part of the year. Parents of children not initially accepted should contact the teacher-in-charge of the preschool and request that their child's name be placed on the waiting list. As vacancies occur, teachers-in-charge will admit pupils according to the criteria cited above.

Government Primary Schools

Children must be 5 years old between January 1 and December 31. They must be resident in the same zone as the primary school to which application is made. Priority in enrolment is given to in-zone siblings of pupils in Primary 1 to 5 already attending the school to which application is made. Schools include:

Eastern Zone

Central Zone

Western Zone

Government Middle Schools

Middle schools normally accept only those students who attend their feeder schools shown:

Government Senior Schools

Government Special-Needs School

Government Community College

Bermuda College. Off South Road. See Education in Bermuda. It is NOT a university as it does not award degrees. It owns - but no longer operates (it leases) the Coco Reef Hotel (formerly Stonington Beach Hotel). It has some some fine academic buildings. It is a technical institute, community college, hospitality training center, business school and further education center for adults. It also has a library, open to the public, on a membership fee basis. Bermuda Government owned and operated as a guango. A non-residential junior college by USA standards. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Its Center for Adult and Continuing Education facility offers many courses for adult students, Bermudians and non Bermudians. They include Professional; Hospitality; Computer related, for Macintosh and PC users; Technology; Personal Development; Do It Yourself; Cooking; Recreational Art; and Horticulture.

Bermuda College 2Bermuda College

 Bermuda College map

Board of Education

See Bermuda Government Boards. 

Educational organizations include

Dress Code in schools

All the primary and secondary schools, Government run and private, require students in proper school uniforms and students can be sent home if it is not obeyed.

Further Adult Education in Bermuda

A Community Education and Development Program, with three terms a year, is sponsored by the Bermuda Government's Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Education. The sites are the Government run Computer Center, Northlands School, Warwick Secondary School, Sandys Secondary School and St. George's Secondary School. Classes meet for two hours and run for 10 weeks. Courses are grouped under the following main headings: Academic Support; Arts and Crafts; Basic Education; Boating; Certificate Courses; Commercial Courses; Computer Education; Consumer Education; Do It Yourself; Family and Personal Development; Food and Home; Health and Beauty; Languages; Music, Dance and Theater; Recreation and Fitness; and Technical Trades.

Private (independent) schools listed below

Not state or government - for children of all ages and two private schools which offer early primary education. These institutions receive no government funding. The Government has the authority to determine the examinations to be taken in such schools, as a means of ensuring appropriate academic standards there.

Some are both preparatory (primary) and secondary. Business newcomers being located to Bermuda on work permits from the UK or Europe, or the USA and Canada, and who bring a child or children with them, should note that Bermuda is not an European Union country and does not follow any of the EU's laws or requirements, or those from the United Kingdom or USA or Canada. For example, there are no Dutch or French or English or American or Canadian schools. Local private or independent schools have a fundamentally different educational philosophy and a much higher standard overall than local public schools. They train their students to sit for and pass American, British, Canadian and European university qualifying programs which are internationally recognized. Several also offer an additional year, a Grade 13 equivalent, for academically gifted students to enter university with the equivalent of a sophomore year achieved. These schools charge tuition costing thousands of dollars a year per student. Nevertheless, all are running at full capacity and several have substantial waiting lists.

Applications for teaching positions in Bermuda Private Schools should be directed by airmail solely to the specific school concerned in Bermuda.

Academy at Woodlands

Primary, since 1990, ages 5-12. Phone (441) 292-8326 or fax 296-1522.

Bermuda High School for Girls (BHS)

A private school, founded in the 1890s. 19 Richmond Road, Pembroke Parish HM 08, Bermuda. Telephone: (441) 295-6153. Fax: (441) 295-2754. Voice Mail: (441) 291-0049. 

Headmistress: Linda Parker, only the fifth Bermudian Head in the school’s history, a BHS graduate. She took over from Canadian Roy Napier. One of the best schools in Bermuda. It educates girls to high international standards and prepare them for productive and fulfilling lives. Modeled on the United Kingdom's Cheltenham Ladies College. Included in its syllabus is the International Baccalaureate (IB) as preparation for university. It is the IB Centre for Bermuda. Also, it is British oriented in curriculum and examinations taken by graduates, but with flexibility added to ensure their smooth transition to North American universities. 

Note the

Bermuda Institute

A private school, founded 1943. Middle Road, Southampton Parish. Telephone: (441) 238-1566/7. Principal: Sheila Holder. Seventh Day Adventist Church religiously slanted. North American in curriculum and examinations taken by graduates. 

Mount Saint Agnes Academy

A private school, established in 1890. 19 Dundonald Street, Hamilton HM 09. Or P. O. Box HM 1004, Hamilton HM DX. Telephone: (441) 292-4134 or 292-1291. Fax: (441) 295-7265. The religious affiliation is Roman Catholic but non Catholics are also accepted. The first continuous private school in Bermuda, solely  North American oriented in curriculum and examinations taken by graduates. It had its first sports field in 2005, thanks to funding  from the Bank of Bermuda.

Saltus Grammar School

St. John's Road, Pembroke Parish. Telephone: (441) 292-6177. Fax: (441) 295-4977. P. O. Box HM 2224, Hamilton HM JX. A Private, independent day school (with it's own primary school, Cavendish Hall Preparatory in a separate building in Devonshire) secular and co-educational, both British and North American oriented in curriculum and examinations taken by graduates. A member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) in North America and CESI (Canadian Educational Standards Institute). Founded in 1888 as a boys' grammar school, it became fully co-educational in 1991. 75% of the students are Bermudian; 25% are from the international community (with international finance, insurance, trust management and tourism forming the principal part of the Bermudian economy). While 2011 fees are $18,000+ per annum, a bursary trust offers support of some $400,000 annually in scholarships and financial aid.

Somersfield Academy 

Formerly Montessori International Academy. 107 Middle Road, Devonshire DV 06. Telephone: (441) 236-9797 or 236-9789. Fax: (441) 236-9789. A private school, founded 1991, by the Montessori Education Trust. Currently with more than 330 students from 3 years old. Early childhood; lower elementary; upper elementary; middle school (the International Baccalaureate Organization). Secular. The Head of the School is Mrs. Margaret Hallet  The philosophy is based on the teaching methods of Dr. Maria Montessori. With a 5-year Middle School Program, based on the International Baccalaureate Organization Middle Years Program. In June 2006 it become the first outside Canada to receive official accreditation by the Canadian Educational Standards Institute (CESI). The accreditation is the result of a three-year evaluation process that involved extensive site visits and assessments by CESI council members. The waiting list is strong.

Montessori Preparatory School:

38 Lightbourne Lane, Smith's Parish, FL 02. (441) 236-9797 or 236-0332. Fax: (441) 232-3119.

Warwick Academy

A Private School. 117 Middle Road, Warwick Parish, PG 01. Telephone: (441) 236-1251 or 236-1251 or 239-1917 (Office). Fax (441) 236-9995. Annual fees on application. There is a large waiting list at every level. It is a secular and co-educational day school. It was the first offshore school in the British Commonwealth, established in 1662 and operated continuously ever since. It was a private primary and secondary school until 1960 when it became a Bermuda Government aided secondary school. It reverted to private school status in 1990. 

Warwick Academy Association registered charity 157

Overseas schools (not universities) attended by locals

Universities overseas include

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Bermuda has NO colleges equivalent to universities. (The Bermuda College, day-school only, no boarders, is the equivalent of a day-school US junior college). A significant number of local preparatory (primary) pupils, or graduates of secondary, high and private schools, and non Bermudian dependents of Bermuda based international industry personnel, attend schools or universities abroad. Most go to the USA and Canada. American universities require Bermudians to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Those who go to the United Kingdom do so primarily - but not exclusively - for law studies.

Going to college is an investment, and not all investments are created equal. What you study impacts the economic value your degree will hold after graduation, which is why most parents urge their students to study business instead of poetry. In fact, 42 percent of parents say they prod their children to pick a collegiate path based on earning potential.

Universities abroad attended by students from Bermuda are numerous.

Coming soon, in late July 2011 if circumstances permit, a guide to the world's 200 best universities. Ranking entities that show Cambridge and Oxford as the highest are not being entirely impartial, or may not have kept their ranking criteria entirely up-to-date. In order of highest then descending ranking, as ranked by the Daily Telegraph newspaper in the UK on May 14, 2011, the top world universities are:

More on this list will follow later. For a somewhat different perspective from another source, with more universities, see

http://www.arwu.org/ARWU2010.jsp 

Under the Bermuda Government's National Education Guarantee Scheme, since 1994, no Bermudian student with university potential is denied the opportunity for further education due to lack of funds. Only students who are Bermudian by birth (namely, born in Bermuda with at least one parent being Bermudian, or born overseas with at least one parent Bermudian at the time) or by grant of Bermuda Status can apply for funding under this scheme.

Bermudians and/or Bermuda-based students studying at colleges and universities in England (not Scotland)  may be advantaged in university fees. Students from British Overseas Territories including Bermuda who study in England are now charged home rate fees for further education and undergraduate or graduate degree courses. Some Bermudians, who further qualify because of grandparents or other close relatives living in the UK and who claim them as a member of their family, and/or who went to state or other funded boarding grammar or other British schools may pay low fees. Compared to the cost of being university-educated in Canada and the USA, it may be much less expensive in the UK, even when university fees were hiked there in 2011 to about £9,000 a year tops for the average UK student in England. However, parents of Bermudian or Bermuda-based children contemplation going to an English university (they generally do not any longer qualify to go for free to a Scottish or Welsh or Northern Irish one) should also bear in mind - for those who have to pay them - the cost of airline fares to and from Bermuda, which are significantly higher than airline fares from the USA or Canada. Also bear in mind that if overall quality of higher education, not cost, is most important, the top five American universities are the world's best and most prestigious. Bermudian university aspirants who can claim UK citizenship have a further realistic option, the opportunity of going to a good European university, say in France of Germany or Holland, for virtually no cost for student tuition (except they still have to pay for room and board and airfares home). 

The USA's top colleges

See

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/backtoschool/americas-top-colleges-2011-2518517/ 

Scholarships to universities

Leading Bermudian banks and law firms and many Bermuda based international companies offer very good scholarships.  

Teacher Training Awards

Each year, Bermuda's Ministry of Education makes available Teacher Training Awards for Bermudians preparing for careers in education. Successful candidates must demonstrate both commendable scholarship and suitability for a teaching career.

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Last Updated: May 18, 2013.
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