The Ministry of Education today mapped out a timeline for improving the standards of public schooling in Bermuda.

Starting in June students in P3 — S2 will sit examinations set by the Ministry and these examinations will help decide what grade their school is assigned. The June examinations will be a trial run and the Ministry will set standards based on them.

And in June next year, the first curriculum exams will take place and the results will be made public.

Education Minister Randolph Horton said at a news conference this morning: “Rigorous academic performance standards for students will be established and enforced, and each school will be measured against annual performance standards to determine academic growth of students.”

Mr. Horton did not rule out giving schools and teachers financial incentives for ensuring students attain good grades in the end of year examinations.

The Minister also outlined a new, more hierarchical, structure for the Ministry of Education which involves the creation of three new senior posts for officials who will report directly to the Chief Education Officer on their area of responsibility, and be held “directly accountable” for any successes or failings.

And a curriculum audit will also be completed to ensure Bermudian students are being taught to worldwide standards.

Another change is that social promotion, where students are promoted to the next grade because of their age despite failing to pass classes and examinations, will no longer take place in Bermuda’s schools.

The changes were made after the Interim Education Board (IEB) set about to examine all areas of education and make recommendations for reforms.

Mr. Horton said: “It is clear the IEB is doing important and substantive work.”

* See tomorrow's Royal Gazette for a full outline on today's announcement.