The number of children enrolled in the public school system has fallen for the tenth consecutive year, according to the latest statistics.

The figures also reveal that there are now almost as many students in the private school system as there are attending public schools.

According to a report compiled by the Department of Statistics, there were 7,050 children attending primary, middle and secondary schools in 2022, compared with 8,263 in 2013 — a drop of 1,213, or 14.7 per cent. Those figures do not include preschools, special schools or the Bermuda College.

While the number of students in private schools has remained consistent over the past decade, the number attending public schools has plummeted more than 25 per cent.

In 2013, there were 4,988 students attending public schools and 3,275 educated privately — a difference of 1,713.

By 2022, that gap had narrowed significantly, with 3,719 students in government schools and 3,331 pupils being taught privately — a difference of just 388.

Government primary schools have seen a heavy decrease in numbers, falling from 2,602 students in 2013 to 1,859 in 2022 — a drop of 743 pupils, or 28 per cent. In private education, primary numbers have virtually flatlined in the past decade. There were 1,511 primary school pupils educated in the private sector in 2022 compared with 1,492 in 2013.

Public middle schools numbers have continued to decline at a similar rate, falling from 1,090 pupils in 2013 to 764 in 2022, a drop of 326 students, or almost 30 per cent.

By comparison, the number of middle school students in private schools has risen from 881 in 2013 to 967 in 2022. In the past three years, more middle school students have been taught in the private sector than in the public sector.

Both sectors have seen decreases in the number of secondary school students. There were 1,096 students attending government secondary schools in 2013 and 902 in the private sector. By 2022, those numbers had fallen to 1,096 and 853, respectively.

The number of students attending the Bermuda College has also dipped in recent years. A surge in enrolments saw student numbers rise from 926 in 2016 to a high of 1,307 in 2019. Numbers have dropped since 2020, falling to 1,069 in 2022.

An explanatory note accompanying the Department of Statistics report said: “Total school enrolment decreased by 3 per cent year-over-year to an unprecedented low of 8,470 students.

“Females comprised 49 per cent of the public school system, 52 per cent of private school pupils and 58 per cent of Bermuda College students.

“Enrolment for government schools fell 5 per cent, resulting in another record low, having decreased each of the past ten years. Private school enrolment remained nearly static, whereas Bermuda College student figures dipped by 7 per cent over the past year.

“Primary school enrolment decreased 2 per cent to an all-time low of 3,370 students. Middle school enrolment was at its lowest since the inception of the middle school system in 1997. Secondary school enrolment fell by 4 per cent.“

The Government launched an overhaul of the public school system two years ago, citing declining numbers as a major reason for reform.

Speaking in the House of Assembly in November, Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education, said: “ I ask those listening to reflect on this: twenty-four years ago, when the process of reforming our system to the middle school system started, the Bermuda public school system had nearly 7,800 students across 35 buildings.

“Today, we face a different reality — approximately 4,000 students, yet 36 buildings.

“Despite declining public school enrolments, it's crucial to note that public schools continue to educate more students than private institutions. Factors such as declining birth rates and emigration contribute to this trend.

“But what does this mean for us? It clearly indicates that we must re-evaluate and optimise our resources for maximum efficiency and equity.”