A top education official has questioned parents' decision to put their students in post graduate classes rather than at the Bermuda College.

"We have always maintained that we are the only post secondary institution on the Island,'' College vice president of academic and student affairs Donald Peters told The Royal Gazette . "It is interesting to see people choosing to send their children to high school instead of college.'' Dr. Peters' comments come on the heels of news that Warwick Academy will start a sixth form in September and that both Warwick Academy and Bermuda High School for Girls are aiming to open centres where an International Baccalaureate can be obtained.

There are clear advantages to attending a college rather than continuing in high school, in Dr. Peters' view. And plans are underway to educate the population as to those advantages. A brochure and talks from admissions directors at Ivy League schools are in the works.

"After parents have understood what we are doing, especially when we become a full four-year institution, I think they will see the advantage of sending their children to Bermuda College rather than keeping them in high school,'' Dr. Peters said.

"The College believes they have a responsibility to encourage higher education,'' he noted, "and we recognise that an education at Bermuda College is the best deal for dollars anywhere in the world.'' Stressing that he welcomes education options, Dr. Peters sought not to condemn the programmes planned by the private schools.

"We wish the programmes well,'' Dr. Peters said. But he did caution parents who may be excited about the International Baccalaureate programme.

"In my personal experience it may be good for some, but in my experience in the US it is not a popular programme,'' he said.

"If the industries in Bermuda are hotel, international business and banking, then these are the areas we should be looking to offer degrees in,'' he added.