Studies are underway to examine the achievement levels and exam structure of students overseas in comparison to those of pupils in Bermuda, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

The study was announced last night after Government was criticised by the National Liberal Party (NLP), who claimed public school standards in Bermuda were too low and the exams were not internationally recognised.

A committee has been set up by Government to look at the different certification and accreditation programmes that are in use around the world in a bid to measure them against the Bermuda Schools Certificate (BSC).

They are looking at exam and graduation programmes in the UK, US, Canada, Caribbean and other small islands to see if the system in Bermuda can be improved, or just better accredited.

Education Minister Senator Milton Scott revealed the news of the committee last night and said he was only too aware of the importance and reputation of Bermuda's test certificates.

He said: "We recognise the need to ensure that students receive a certificate on graduation that is readily acceptable in institutions of further education both here and overseas, and that makes clear to employers what competencies the students have achieved.

"A committee has been set up to examine certifications and accreditation available overseas and to think creatively about the best solution for Bermuda's graduates.'' The public education system in Bermuda has come in for some criticism in recent months from people who claim students leave school unable to compete, and who have been led to believe they are brighter than they are.

Educators have claimed the BSC, or the Bermuda Secondary School Certificate (BSSC) which has been used in past years, are not internationally recognised and cannot be measured with other jurisdictions.

But yesterday, an Education spokeswoman said the committee and Sen. Scott had a completely open mind about the best way forward for Bermuda.

She said the committee consisted of a senior education officer, the principals from both CedarBridge Academy and Berkeley Institute and a representative from Bermuda College.

She said they were going to look at the best options for Bermuda and its students.

The aim, she said, was to see what level of achievement students had abroad, compared to in Bermuda, and to make sure children here were on a par, or better.

Exam system under review She added: "It may be that the present system in Bermuda needs to be accredited to more universities overseas. That is something that will be looked at.'' Yesterday, NLP Vice Chairman Graeme Outerbridge accused Government of constantly blaming the policies of the United Bermuda Party for the present state of the education system, and said instead it should be trying to break new ground.

And he said the Progressive Labour Party Government should be doing more to attract youngsters back to public education from private schools.

He said: "The UBP made their share of mistakes, but they are not responsible for the end of the world.

"The PLP Government is always defining itself by UBP past policies, rather than breaking new ground itself.

"If Government schools will not even test to international standards there can be no surprise that the quality of education and the obtained degree is inferior to Bermuda private schools.'' And he said the idea of throwing money at the new Berkeley Institute school was a "farce'' if the same mistakes were going to be made.

And he said one option would have been to merge Saltus and Berkeley Institute and give the new combined school the cash to build a new facility.

Last night, when informed of the new committee, he said: "That's great -- but now let's see some results.'' But Sen. Scott yesterday said the NLP had failed to suggest ways of making the education system better.

He added: "Graeme Outerbridge complains that the Government blames the UBP for the problems that exist in our education system, and yet, his press release just blames the Government without telling us anything about what the National Liberal Party would actually do about these problems.

"In contrast, our record speaks for itself. I will not enter into further discussions with an organisation that has no track record.'' And Mr. Outerbridge also came in the firing line of a former governor at CedarBridge Academy.

Sheilagh Robertson took particular offence to a comment Mr. Outerbridge made on the radio, where he referred to CedarBridge Academy as a "children's prison''.

She said: "As a member of the founding board of governors, I can assure you that an enormous amount of effort has gone into creating a school which would provide opportunities for learning and achievement which, were previously unavailable to a significant number of our young people.

"Change is always difficult for all involved.

"Despite initial teething pains, under the able leadership of Kalmar Richards and many dedicated and caring staff members, CedarBridge will go from strength to strength.''