Independent Schools in Barbados

Gross enrolment overall: 101.1% (2010)

Primary female–male ratio: 1.03:1 (2010)

Secondary female–male ratio: 1.09:1 (2010)

Primary pupil–teacher ratio: 13:1 (2010)

Secondary pupil–teacher ratio: 15:1 (2006)
 

There are 12 years of compulsory education starting at age five. Primary school comprises seven years and secondary six. Computers are widely available to schools. Some 94% of pupils complete primary school (2007). The school year starts in September. The Caribbean Examinations Council, established in 1972 by an agreement among 15 English-speaking Commonwealth Caribbean countries and territories, provides examinations and certification at secondary and post-secondary levels. Qualifications offered by the Council include the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (in 33 subjects, for students at the end of the secondary education cycle); Caribbean Advanced Proficiency (for post-secondary students entering the world of work and for those candidates who wish to continue their further education at the tertiary level); Caribbean Vocational Qualification; and, since 2005, Associate Degrees. The Council has its headquarters in Barbados and western zone office in Jamaica.

There are a number of private schools at both primary and secondary level in Barbados. In terms of primary education, St Gabriel’s School is one of the more prominent private primary schools. The Ursuline Convent, St Winifred’s School and Codrington School offer tuition at both primary and secondary level. There are about 40 nursery and primary schools and about 10 approved secondary schools in the country. Education is compulsory in Barbados up to the age of 16, and private schools assist the government in fulfilling this task.