Smart school kids may soon be able to get a jump start on higher education by upgrading to the Bermuda College.

They will be able to earn college credits while still enrolled in senior school which will give them a flying start when they make the permanent move to colleges or universities.

Education Minister Terry Lister told Parliament yesterday: ?This means our gifted senior students can be challenged over and above the challenges provided by the regular school curriculum.

?Bermuda has needed something along these lines for some time and I am pleased that Dr. Charles Green, president of Bermuda College, and his faculty have dared to think outside the box in this manner.?

Meanwhile, the push for accreditation by American bodies continues, Mr. Lister added, and the results of a March site visit have been sent to the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

The Minister said he was confident of success and that, if accepted, Bermuda could apply for full accreditation within the next five years.

?With accreditation status, many more Bermuda College students could transfer to a wide variety of institutions where Bermuda College students attend following their studies here,? he said.

?The College frequently receives inquiries from institutions abroad seeking clarification as to Bermuda?s College?s accreditation status.

?The accreditation status would also provide Bermuda College with international recognition and an affirmation of the quality programmes that are provided at the College.?

Mr. Lister said both Berkeley Institute and CedarBridge Academy are also seeking accreditation.

?Our senior schools began this process some 12 months ago and are now fully engaged in completing the process,? he said.