Independent assurance of quality education at the Bermuda College has come with an unconditional re-accreditation, the facility said.

The decision from the New England Commission of Higher Education means the college’s next comprehensive evaluation is scheduled for a decade’s time.

David Sam, the school’s president, said: “Securing re-accreditation affirms the quality of a Bermuda College education and reinforces the vital role we play in supporting our students and our island.”

He added that the recognition provides momentum as the priorities of a five-year strategic plan are advanced.

The college explained that the New England commission evaluates facilities as whole institutions against standards designed to assess their educational quality and institutional capacity.

Among its 200-plus member institutions are Harvard University, Yale University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brown University and Dartmouth College.

Accredited institutions undergo comprehensive evaluation at least once every ten years.

The process includes an extensive institutional self study, an on-site evaluation by peer reviewers and consideration of the commission’s findings.

Dr Sam said: “This achievement reflects the unwavering dedication, professionalism and collective effort of our faculty, staff and board of governors.

“Re-accreditation is never the work of one person or a single department; it requires deep reflection, rigorous documentation, open engagement and a shared commitment to excellence in higher education.”

The president paid particular tribute to Nikkita Scott, the vice-president of student affairs and the college’s accreditation liaison officer, for her leadership of the process.

He also thanked employees who served on committees, assembled and reviewed evidence, participated in site interviews, responded to requests and supported the accreditation work behind the scenes.

The college first gained institutional accreditation in 2010.