Video: Minister Rabain On Education Reform

“Our government remains resolute in its commitment to education reform, a priority we have championed since our election in 2017,” Minister of Education Diallo Rabain said, adding that “the road has not been without obstacles; some longstanding practices and customs have slowed our pace, and recent events have underscored the complexity of change.”

Minister Rabain’s full statement follows below:

Good Day, Bermuda,

Thank you for joining us today. Our government remains resolute in its commitment to education reform, a priority we have championed since our election in 2017. We are unwavering in our resolve to ensure that public education is both modern and accountable, preparing Bermuda’s children for success in an ever-evolving world.

Today, as we reflect on our journey, I want to underscore that our commitment to building a world-class, 21st-century public education system remains as strong as it was when we embarked on this path in 2017. The Ministry of Education has dedicated the past four years to laying a foundation for comprehensive reform.

Since 2020, we have taken several transformative steps, including the opening of two Parish Schools, which now serve students in Years 1 through 8, and the launch of Signature Learning Programmes at both CedarBridge Academy and The Berkeley Institute. These programmes are tailored to provide our students with more personalised and engaging learning experiences that align with their interests and strengths. We have also introduced School Transformation teams to support these initiatives and foster a collaborative approach to change.

While these accomplishments deserve recognition, we must also address the challenges we have encountered. The road has not been without obstacles; some longstanding practices and customs have slowed our pace, and recent events have underscored the complexity of change. By way of example, the issues most recently raised about some of the courses that are part of the Signature Learning Programmes at Cedarbridge Academy highlight the challenges we face as we transform our system. We are working on the issues around recruitment and scheduling and are committed to putting the resources and necessary changes in place to address them.

As we continue this journey, we are committed to tackling these issues directly and with transparency, learning from our missteps, and making the adjustments necessary to build a system fit for our present and future learners.

While today’s focus is on our future reform agenda, I believe that it is essential to revisit the purpose and milestones of our education reform journey. In response to the public’s call for an alternative to the middle school model, we embarked on a transformative path to phase out middle schools and implement a two-tier system that includes Parish Schools and Senior Schools. This new structure will see Parish Schools comprising Years 1 through 8, while Senior Schools will serve students in Years 9 through 13. What was once Middle School Years M1 and M2 will transition to Years 7 and 8 within Parish Schools, and M3 will become Year 9 in Senior Schools.

In Parish Schools, Years 6, 7, and 8 are structured to provide enhanced curriculum learning experiences, distinct from the current middle school model, focusing on preparing students for a smooth and purposeful transition to Senior Schools. Once they reach Senior Schools, students can access Signature Learning Programmes, as announced in May 2021. These programmes will comprise around 30% of a student’s time, alongside core curriculum subjects—English, Math, Social Studies, and Science. Signature Learning Programmes are designed to cultivate essential skills for the 21st century, including:

• critical thinking and problem-solving,
• creativity and communication, and
• collaboration and teamwork.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the tremendous work done by our School Transformation Teams and curriculum writing teams, working under the guidance of the Education Reform Unit with significant input from the Department of Education. Their dedication to advancing our reform agenda has been unwavering, even in the face of substantial challenges. This journey has not been without its hurdles, yet their commitment to our vision for Bermuda’s students has propelled us forward.

Education Reform for 2025 to 2027

Today, I am pleased to share our education reform plan for the next phase, spanning 2025 to 2027. This plan outlines the continued transformation of Bermuda’s public school system, emphasising our commitment to a structured, phased approach that builds on the groundwork laid thus far.

The next steps include:

• Opening two additional Parish Schools at the Harrington Sound and Elliot Primary School sites, each featuring Year 7 students.

• Advancing the phasing out of middle schools.

• Establishing a third Senior School at the Sandys Secondary Middle School site, which will host Signature Learning Programmes in Hospitality and Tourism, as well as Education Services.

• Recruiting School Transformation Teams for the Somerset and St. George’s Parish Schools

• Accelerating the development of school exceptionalities.

With each step, we learn from our previous transitions and address any challenges in a phased manner to ensure smoother implementation.

Primary Schools

In September 2025, all primary schools will accept their usual P1 intake, except for St. George’s Prep and Somerset Primary, which will not enrol new P1 students. This phased approach is intended to support the establishment of Parish Schools in Somerset and St. George’s. Recruitment for School Transformation Teams for these Parishes will begin shortly. Work between the DOE and ERU to facilitate these transitions, offering guidance and support to families planning future placements, will start after the school registration period concludes in the coming weeks.

Parish Schools

In September 2025, the Parish Schools in Smith’s and Devonshire will open at the Harrington Sound and Elliot Primary School sites, respectively, with Year 7 classes. These Parish Schools are shaped by blueprint statements developed by their School Transformation Teams—including teachers, parents, and community members—that define key features of the Parish Schools. Community engagement events will allow the public to learn more about these plans.

Additionally, the previously announced closures of Prospect Primary School and Gilbert Institute at the end of the 2025 academic year are being mapped out, with discussions set to commence shortly to ensure a smooth transition for all affected.

In 2026, a St. George’s Parish School will open at the East End Primary site with the addition of Year 7, creating a central learning hub for parish students. This addition reinforces our commitment to providing equitable access to quality primary education across Bermuda.

Middle Schools

In September 2025, Sandys Secondary Middle School will transition into our third Senior School, featuring Signature Learning Programmes in Hospitality and Tourism and Education Services. Sandys will continue to admit M1 students for the time being, and comprehensive support will be provided for students and families to help them navigate this transition.

Whitney Institute and Dellwood Middle will continue to admit M1 students until further notice.

Senior Schools

September 2025 will mark the transition date for our Senior Schools to their five-year programme. Year 8 students from Warwick and Hamilton Parish Schools and M2 students from our Middle Schools will begin the five-year programme. At the same time, the final group of M3 students will enter Senior School under the current four-year model, marking the last intake for this programme.

All Y8s, M2s, and M3s have participated in the SLP Taster Programmes, which culminated in immersion days with Industry partners and an open house at each of the three Senior Schools. Additionally, meetings have commenced with parents and school counsellors to assist families in making informed Senior School choices. As announced in the recent Mid-Year Budget review, school uniform vouchers will be available for all eligible students as part of our commitment to easing transitions.

Based on the Future World of Work research, the original 10 Signature Learning Programmes announced in May 2021 continue to guide our offerings, focusing on

• STEM,
• Climate, Environment and Resources,
• Health and Social Care,
• Community and Social Investment,
• Arts and Culture,
• Education Services,
• Sports and Leisure Management,
• Financial and Insurance Services
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Trades and Professions

In response to ongoing revaluation, the Arts and Culture programme will join the STEM programme at CedarBridge to create a STEAM pathway. Sports & Leisure Management will also be introduced as a strand within the Health and Social Care Signature Programme at The Berkeley Institute.

All Senior Schools will continue to participate in Bermuda College’s current dual enrollment options, providing students with valuable pathways for college credit and advanced learning opportunities. Our reform agenda remains dedicated to equipping students with skills for future-focused careers and advanced educational pursuits, comprehensively preparing them for the years ahead.

School Transformation Teams

As we look to the future, I am pleased to announce that the School Transformation Teams for Somerset and St. George’s Parish Schools will soon begin recruiting to develop transition plans specific to these communities.

We are also moving up the timeline for setting up the Signature School for Exceptionalities School Transformation Team, initially scheduled for late 2025. This change will better support our students’ needs as demand grows at Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy.

To support this, we are moving forward with the work needed to develop and transform the Prospect Primary site to provide specialised support and dedicated facilities. This expansion reinforces our commitment to inclusive, equitable education across Bermuda. Renovation schedules will be shared as the project progresses, keeping families updated on timelines and the positive impact on specialised educational resources.

We ask educators, parents, community partners, and other stakeholders to look for recruitment notices. You are encouraged to sign up to be part of the school transformation teams so your voices can be part of the planning for our parish school.

Ongoing Education Reform Initiatives

Our legislative efforts are also advancing. The Education Authority’s draft legislation is anticipated to be completed in late November, with a tabling in the House of Assembly planned for December. This legislation will be key in building an accountable, future-focused education system.

In recent years, we have concentrated primarily on classroom learning improvements and transitioning to the Parish and Senior School models with Signature Learning Programmes. Our next phase involves ensuring that our physical school environments align with this transformative work. In collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works, we are reviewing the insights from recent renovations at Purvis and Francis Patton to guide our approach to future school infrastructure development. We will share additional updates as these discussions progress.

Conclusion

Since our initial discussions on the 3-to-2-tier plan in April 2023, we have remained committed to a phased, deliberate approach, ensuring that each stage of reform is fully considered and attainable. Today’s update covers the next two years as we continue on a path of steady progress, building confidence among families and communities in our schools’ readiness and the measures in place to ensure smooth transitions.

Our guiding philosophy is firmly rooted in a Bermuda-led process – by Bermudians, for Bermudians. This means that our approach to education reflects Bermuda’s values, culture, and community aspirations. At the same time, we recognize that education must prepare our children for a globally interconnected world. By combining local leadership with international perspectives—and drawing upon international experts for guidance on best practices and innovative approaches—we can ensure that our students are rooted in their heritage while being prepared for success on a global stage. These two principles—local ownership and global readiness—work together to create a truly comprehensive educational experience. This international perspective helps us build a culturally responsive education system that prepares our students to think critically, act responsibly, and engage meaningfully on a global stage.

We invite everyone interested in Bermuda’s educational future to step forward and join us. Whether through the School Transformation Teams or as active voices in our communities, there is room for all who wish to contribute. This is a shared responsibility, and we firmly believe that education is the business of every Bermudian.

As we move forward, our commitment is clear: to listen actively, engage deeply with our community, and adapt as needed. Together, we will continue to overcome challenges, celebrate our achievements, and ensure every child in Bermuda receives a quality education. Reforming our education system for our children is not just a goal—it is our collective duty.

Thank you.

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