Graduation rates rose by five percent this year to reach 96 percent, according to Gover

The figures are based on the number of students enrolled and pursuing their BSC in their S4 year as denominator, with 98 percent graduating from CedarBridge Academy and 94 percent from the Berkeley Institute – a total 96 percent.

Last year, 72 percent of students at CedarBridge Academy and the Berkeley Institute graduated at the end of the school year, with a further seven percent after summer school – a total of 91 percent. The graduation rate breaks down as 76 percent at CedarBridge Academy and 83 percent at the Berkeley Institute.

In contrast, in 2006 the overall graduation rate was 58 percent, in 2005 57 percent, and in 2004 53 percent.

Education Minister Randolph Horton said yesterday: "I am pleased to report that graduation rates at the S4 level have continued to improve, and for the first time, to report graduation rates based on S1 enrollment."

The students graduating using the number enrolled and pursuing their BSC in their S1 year as denominator, were 65 percent at the end of the 2007-8 school year and seven percent after summer school, bringing the total to 71 percent.

This marks a 27 percent increase on 2007, when 44 percent attained their BSC.

Mr. Horton said the Ministry had introduced a process to improve the collection of information on students moving in and out of senior schools.

"In 2007, the Ministry undertook to not just record the number of students who enter S1, but also to provide information on the whereabouts of students who for any reason left before the end of their S4 year," he said.

After pledging to provide information by September 2009 on graduation rates based on those entering S1, the Minister said enrollment data has now been tracked back to September 2004.

"Ministry and school-based staff have been trained to maintain the enrollment data, with the end result that the Ministry can now report graduation rates based on S4 and S1 students one year ahead of schedule," he said.

"I am happy to state that the graduation rate percentages calculated by using S4 as the denominator show that local students are not performing as dismally as the community has been led to believe.

"In fact, data shows that 98 percent of the S4 students at CedarBridge Academy graduated, while 94 percent of the S4 students at Berkeley Institute graduated. This reflects an overall graduation average of 96 percent."

Mr. Horton added: "The graduation rate percentages calculated by using S1 as the denominator show that 65 percent of those who entered CedarBridge Academy four years ago graduated.

He went on: "81 percent of those who entered the Berkeley Institute during the same timeframe graduated. This provides an overall graduation average of 71 percent.

"Our official information collected from S1 Student enrollment Data for 2004-5 provides a thorough analysis of the outcomes achieved by 2008 graduates from local public schools."

He said: "The report delineates the numbers who achieved GCSEs, those who were involved in dual credit courses at the Bermuda College, those who were involved in College Preparatory courses, those who received IC3 (Information Technology) certifications.

"For those graduates who chose higher education, the report provides a breakdown of the countries to which they have gone and the numbers who achieved scholarships."

In order for the "positive trend" to continue, the Ministry of Education is administering common exams at CedarBridge Academy and the Berkeley Institute. Performance reporting periods will be increased to eight per school year, with tutorials offered at lunchtime, after-school and on Saturdays.

The senior schools will also offer tuition to small groups, and students' test scores will be discussed with parents and teachers to address areas of weakness.

Mr. Horton said that during the past year, principals at CedarBridge and Berkeley had "spent more time monitoring the delivery or instruction in the classroom (watching and providing feedback on how teachers teach)".

The Minister said: "I can state today that we are pleased with the continued positive trend for graduation rates, the advances made with data collection and, more importantly, with the increased level of accountability and ownership for student improvement demonstrated by both senior schools achieved through hard work and commitment.

"If we continue to work together - Ministry, principals, teachers, parents and students - it is fully anticipated that these outcomes will continue their upward trend in the future."