Staff from the Bermuda College discussed the importance of reading and early preparation while visiting the island’s grade schools.

Led by college president David Sam, the tour has so far included nine primary schools and all of the island’s middle and senior schools, with additional visits planned.

The college said: “A major focus of the tour is explaining the college’s role as Bermuda’s community college — a single institution offering many routes, including preparation for university transfer, workforce entry and technical training aligned with local needs.”

Dr Sam said: “College planning doesn’t begin with exam results, it begins with curiosity, support and informed choices.

“When students understand what’s possible, they approach school differently and set stronger goals.”

He also highlighted the importance of reading for a child’s development and said the college’s agreements with accredited schools internationally “help students start close to home and move forward with confidence”.

The college offered more than $577,000 in financial support to students last year and more than $3.1 million in the past five years.

Talking about the assistance, Dr Sam said: “Financial aid can be the difference between waiting and starting.

“We want students to know help exists and we’ll walk them through the process, so cost doesn’t block potential.”