General enrolment in the Bermuda College rose seven percent while the number of men entering the college was up 30 percent. This year general enrolment rose from 913 in 2006 to 977 this year.

And while graduation statistics show far more girls completing Bermuda's public school than boys, the Bermuda College enrolled 311 men this year, compared to 235 last year.

However the number of women enrolled at the facility has dropped by two percent with 666 enrolled this year compared to 678 last year.

The enrolment figures include people who started credit and non-credit classes. Non-credit courses are typically those courses offered through the Centre for Professional and Career Education for workplace training and development that lead to professional qualifications or credentials, as opposed to academic credit.

Credit courses are gained for those attempting to complete associate degree, certificate or diploma programme requirements. New President Dr. Duranda Greene said the figures were encouraging: "It's a trend that I expect to see continue with the new initiatives the College has planned.

"The increase can be attributed to a number of factors, including our increased focus on technical education, the Bermuda Regiment Soldier programme and our initiatives with the uniformed services and other government agencies through our Centre for Professional and Career Education (workforce development) arm."

The college academic year officially started on August 30th.