Today, the Ministry of Education welcomed back students, parents, and educators across the island for the start of the new academic year. The Minister of Education, the Hon. Crystal Caesar, JP, MP, and the Commissioner of Education, Kalmar Richards, greeted families at schools to mark the occasion and share important updates on the ongoing transformation of the Bermuda Public School System (BPSS).
Minister Caesar emphasized the Ministry’s focus on balancing long-term transformation with immediate stability in schools.
The Minister said, “Education transformation is a generational undertaking. While we continue the work of our master plan, including a realistic infrastructure strategy, we must also provide stability and maintain focus on improving the teaching and learning taking place in our schools today. Following a review of the transformation programme, the Ministry determined the best way forward would be to defer certain aspects of transformation to stabilize, strengthen, and deliver education that truly serves every child.”
The following work will continue to be accelerated to complete the transformation projects comprehensively:
- The development work and transition planning for the Signature Learning Programmes is ongoing by the Berkeley Institute, CedarBridge Academy and Sandys Secondary School in preparation for September 2026, and will progress as planned.
- Francis Patton, Purvis, Harrington Sound and Elliot Parish Primary Schools will continue with the phasing in of their Parish School Features and strengthening their learning communities.
- The Signature School for Exceptionalities remains a high system priority. This term, a design team will begin the developmental work that will shape the vision for this specific signature school.
The following project activity will be deferred to strengthen planning, programming and cross-ministry coordination.
- The timeline provided to stakeholders, which depicted the sequence of schools opening and closing beyond September 2025, is rescinded.
Minister Caesar explained, "Infrastructure development will now be completed ahead of the announcement of any school opening or closing dates. Additionally, the coordination of infrastructure development and design work for teaching and learning will be intentionally paced and coordinated for seamless merging. The infrastructure plan will provide a roadmap and sequencing of when a school is scheduled to be opened or closed.”
The Minister said, “Parents, students, educators, and our partners have shared their concerns, celebrations, and hopes for the future of education. These insights remind us to plan sensitively, strategically, and always with the child at the center. Our students, parents, and educators deserve clarity and confidence in the path ahead. This stabilization program ensures that while we plan carefully for the future, we also remain steadfast in our commitment to equity, excellence, and improved student outcomes today.”
Minister Caesar concluded, “The Ministry remains committed to creating policies that support the whole child, foster world-class teaching and learning, and expand opportunities for parents and the wider community to be active partners in our schools. Together, we will build an education system that serves every child, every family, and every community in Bermuda.”