Choosing the right school for your child in Bermuda
Choosing the right school for your child can be a daunting process for a parent in any country. Parents want to be assured that the school is well-equipped to provide for a panoply of needs, encompassing the social, emotional and academic. Here at Chapkin Edwards, we can help you to start thinking about what is important when considering school choice, and to guide you in making this important decision.
What are the most important criteria for school selection?
Boarding vs. Day School
The majority of schools offer both boarding and day provision. Nevertheless, there is a tendency for schools to be weighted in favour of one or the other. With boarding, the child is resident within school accommodation for the greater part of the school year, whereas day schooling involves school provision only during the day, with children resident at home. Both systems have their advantages. Boarding can inculcate a measure of independence, as well as in-built provision for socialisation and independent study. Day schooling, on the other hand, enables the child to spend more time with their family. Day schooling is also the preferable option if you want to arrange super-curricular tutoring.
Single sex vs. coeducational schooling
Single-sex schooling and coeducational schooling each offer unique benefits. Single-sex schools can provide an environment where students feel more comfortable exploring their interests without traditional gender stereotypes. This setting may lead to increased confidence, reduced distractions, and tailored teaching methods that cater to gender-specific learning styles. On the other hand, coeducational schools foster social interaction between genders, preparing students for a diverse world. They often promote a broader perspective, encourage collaboration, and offer a more realistic representation of the society students will eventually navigate.
Facilities
When selecting a school, the quality of its facilities plays a pivotal role. This aspect not only influences the standard of academic provision, such as the quality of the library or art facilities, but also shapes the extra-curricular opportunities available to students. Some schools may excel in music and drama facilities, while others prioritise their provision for various sporting activities. These facilities directly impact the quality of education received and the overall school experience of students.
Academic provision
Assessing the quality of academic provision at a school can be a complex task. It often varies based on an individual student's needs. Some schools emphasise teaching effectively to ambitious students, aiming for top grades. Others adopt a more comprehensive approach, focusing on personal growth alongside academic achievement. Ideally, a school should balance both objectives, although this may not be the case for all. We can provide expert guidance on selecting the ideal school for your child based on these criteria, alongside others.
What are the top schools in Bermuda?
There are a number of independent schools in Bermuda to choose from. Here, we give an overview of these schools. Nevertheless, it is crucial to do further research into each individual school in order to find the correct fit for your child.
Saltus Grammar School
Location: Hamilton, Bermuda
Head: Julie Rousseau
Day or Boarding: Day
Pupils: Over 850
Gender: Co-educational
Ages: 4 -18
Curriculum: CAIS (Canadian)
Day fees: $25,275
Website: https://www.saltus.bm/explore/overview
Established in 1888 through a bequest by Samuel Saltus, Saltus began its life as a boys’ Grammar School. The school became one of the first multi-racial schools in Bermuda after desegregation in 1966, and was made co-educational in 1990. The Head of School, Julie Rousseau, joined Saltus in 2022 after a successful career in senior leadership at some of the most prestigious independent schools in Canada. Saltus offers an extensive athletics programme and supports high-level athletes through its Saltus Elite Athlete Programme, which provides flexible and supportive provision for both the student’s educational and sporting needs.
Somersfield Academy
Location: Devonshire, Bermuda
Head: Riki Teteina
Day or Boarding: Day
Pupils: 529
Gender: Co-educational
Ages: 4 -18
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Day fees: $25,500
Website: https://mysomersfield.com/welcome
A relative newcomer, Somersfield Academy was founded in 1991. The school uses the Montessori method, a popular approach to teaching and learning which prioritises the child’s holistic development over a sole focus on academics, in its nursery and early-years programmes. It is also unique amongst Bermuda schools for offering International Baccalaureate in both its Secondary and Sixth Form programmes.
Warwick Academy
Location: Warwick, Bermuda
Head: David Horan
Day or Boarding: Day
Pupils: 850
Gender: Co-educational
Ages: 4 -18
Curriculum: iGCSE, International Baccalaureate and BTEC (Sixth Form)
Day fees: $21,936
Website: https://www.warwick.bm/
Founded in 1662, Warwick Academy is the oldest school in Bermuda. It has one of the strongest academic profiles among schools in Bermuda, with 97% of students achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C). Since 2017, it has sent students to a number of top universities throughout the US and the UK, including Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, Duke and Fordham. With grounds stretching over 22 acres, there are plenty of opportunities for co-curricular sport, and the school has performance programmes in football and swimming for high-level athletes.
Bermuda High School for Girls (BHS)
Location: Pembroke, Bermuda
Head: Carol A. Swainson
Day or Boarding: Day
Pupils: 570
Gender: Girls
Ages: 4 -18
Curriculum: iGCSE, International Baccalaureate and A-Level (Sixth Form)
Day fees: $24,716
Website: https://www.bhs.bm/
Founded in 1896, Bermuda High School for Girls is the only girls’ school in Bermuda, taking as its original inspiration the Cheltenham Ladies’ College in the UK. Their stated aim is to provide girls with a dedicated space to learn and socialise, providing them with a holistic education which empowers them to be assertive, discerning and confident than their co-educated peers. Despite this, the school offers co-educational provision in its Sixth Form. The school also delivers good academic results, with 97% of all iGCSE grades in 2022 being at 9-4 (A* to C) level.
Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning (BCCL)
Location: Hamilton, Bermuda
Head: Cindy Corday
Day or Boarding: Day
Pupils: c.30
Gender: Co-educational
Ages: 6-14
Curriculum:
Day fees: $28,000
Website: https://www.bermudacreativelearning.com/
Established in 2015, BCCL is the only school in Bermuda that caters specifically to children with Special Educational Needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Dyslexia. BCCL makes use of evidence-informed practice, with the so-called Orton-Gillingham approach, to build literacy and numeracy. This school caters to early and middle-school learners in preparation for years 10-13.
Bermuda schools selection with Chapkin Edwards
If you need further advice with selecting the right school for your child in Bermuda, or would like to explore tutoring options, please get in contact here.