Financing for equity in primary and secondary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to schools
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
In Bermuda, the Ministry of Education is responsible for the overall administration and governance of the education system, ensuring that schools operate effectively and receive adequate funding to cover all operational costs. The Ministry directs educational policy, oversees budget allocations, and monitors the use of resources to maintain high standards across schools. It may also appoint Boards of Management to guide policy implementation, financial planning, and the distribution of funds within individual schools, supporting the Ministry’s role in ensuring consistent and accountable management.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Resources are directly allocated from the central level to schools.
2. Education resources to schools
The Board of Management is responsible for receiving, disbursing, and accounting for funds allocated by the Ministry to support school operations. While there is no formal equity formula for resource allocation, the Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Board of Education, may request additional funding for schools identified as underperforming. This approach ensures that resource distribution considers not only student enrolment but also the specific needs and challenges of individual schools.
The Department of Education provides comprehensive student support services addressing academic, social, emotional, and behavioural needs. These include Learning Support Services for students with disabilities, such as Hearing and Vision Support, Adaptive Physical Education, ASD programmes, and Resource Programmes. The Department also offers School Psychology and Counselling services, delivering psychoeducational assessments, classroom guidance on character development, individual academic and career planning, and responsive counselling. Behaviour Management and Alternative Education programmes further support students with behavioural issues.
3. Education resources to students and families
Since 2024, the Ministry of Education has implemented a programme providing uniform vouchers to students transitioning from Parish Primary and Middle Schools to senior schools. Recognising that this transition often requires entirely new uniforms, vouchers—averaging ECD 100 per year —are offered to families participating in Senior School counselling sessions. The initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on parents while ensuring students are properly equipped to begin senior school with confidence. The Ministry is committed to maintaining this as an annual programme within the broader Education Reform framework, ensuring continued support as students progress through the education system.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
No programme with an educational component that transfers resources to disadvantaged students or households has been found.
5. School meal programmes
No government-run school meal programme has been found.
