A coeducational private school has become the first school in Bermuda to be accredited for an international learning curriculum.

Chatmore British International School welcomed its International Curriculum Association accreditation after three years of preparation.

It stands as the only school in Bermuda to have this accreditation, showing that the school has been using the curriculum properly and at a high level.

Britanni Butterworth, the director of Chatmore, said that the accreditation was an achievement that helped to “solidify our position as a strong educational option for families in Bermuda”.

She added: “Our learning environment is rigorous yet still relaxed, and we see that this curriculum complements our offering as a school.

“We couldn't have received this award without the support of our school family, and this celebration is shared with the students, families and teachers alike.”

The ICA curriculum is tailored to the students’ age range and cultural roots to ensure that pupils learn in the most accommodating way for them.

The curriculum is used in 90 countries across more than 1,000 schools.

To be accredited, a school must first be “recognised” after being evaluated by ICA representatives to see how the curriculum is being applied.

The school can then apply for accreditation, which must take place between six months and two years of recognition.

Chatmore first started using the ICA curriculum in 2011 as a way to better engage its pupils and help them to learn.

Several schools in Bermuda now use the curriculum.

Ms Butterworth said that the school used to use the ICA’s International Early Years Curriculum, International Primary Curriculum and International Middle Years Curriculum.

She added that the school now uses only the international primary and middle years curriculums.

Ms Butterworth said: “This curriculum develops so many key skills needed for our world, and we see how it sets our students on a path of success.

“It's rigorous, but provides them with agency to learn in their way.

“They emerge as stronger inquirers, advocates, presenters and listeners.”

Chatmore, in Smith’s, started off as a preschool in 2004 and has grown to receive primarily school and middle school-aged pupils.

It originally provided education to children with learning differences but is now open to students of all abilities.

The curriculum is British-based, with IGCSE, Singapore maths and holistic learning forms, including the ICA.

Pam Mundy, the chairwoman of Chatmore’s board of governors, said: “As a board of governors, we are very proud of our school and our recent success.

“We are delighted to see that Chatmore's commitment is being recognised. What a wonderful two decades this has been.”