Total School Enrolment An ‘Unprecedented Low’
“Total school enrolment decreased by 2% year-over-year to an unprecedented low of 8,757 students,” according to the Bermuda Digest of Statistics 2022
The Digest said, “Total school enrolment decreased by 2% year-over-year to an unprecedented low of 8,757 students. With Government school enrolment declining by 162 and private school enrolment rising by 156, it is possible that these students simply shifted school systems. Enrolment for both males and females continued to drop-off and females comprised the majority of total enrolment at 52%.
“Mirroring the previous year, enrolment for Government schools fell 4% resulting in another record low having decreased each of the past ten years with the exception of 2013. Private school enrolment increased by 5% this past year to the approximate level of six years ago.
“After a few years of steady growth, Bermuda College student figures dipped by 12% over the past year. Primary school enrolment decreased 3% to an all-time low of 3,433 students. Middle school enrolment continued to climb for the second consecutive year. Secondary school enrolment rose by 94 students or 5%. With regard to sex, females made up 48% of the public school system, 52% of private school pupils and 63% of Bermuda College students.”
When is the announcement by the Minister of Education that the budget for the Department of Education will be reduced by 15% to reflect the reduction in public school students? Less students, less schools, less need for teachers and especially admin staff, yet the budget stays the same? Probably need to hire more staff as they are understaffed!
The Ministry of Education will be fine. Remember, 2 schools are being closed and others are being reassigned as parish schools, presumably to be the financial responsibility of parish councils.