NON-STATE ACTORS IN EDUCATION
2.2 Non-state education provision
3.1 Regulations by distinct levels of education
- Early childhood care and education (Entry/Establishment ○ Financial operation ○ Quality of teaching and learning ○ Equitable access ○ Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability)
- Primary and secondary education (Entry/Establishment ○ Financial operation ○ Quality of teaching and learning ○ Equitable access ○ Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability)
- Tertiary education (Entry/Establishment ○ Financial operation ○ Quality of teaching and learning ○ Equitable access ○ Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability)
3.2 Supplementary private tutoring
The 1962 Education Act (as amended in 1996), which governs all education levels from early childhood to tertiary level, distinguishes between ‘public schools,’ ‘independent schools,’ ‘assisted schools,’ and ‘exempt schools’ as types of educational institutions. An ‘independent school’ is defined as any school where full-time education is provided for five or more pupils, but is not maintained by the Minister.
2.1 State education provision
State schools
Most education at primary (five years, beginning at ages 5) and secondary level (four years, beginning at age 11) is provided by government-funded schools. Primary and secondary education (ages five – 16) is compulsory in the Bahamas. Alternative schools are state institutions that provide education for at-risk students between the ages of 11 and 16. These institutions are divided into same-sex institutions and follow the national curriculum, with special behaviour interventions and rehabilitation programs.
Non-state managed, state schools
No information was found.
Non-state funded, state schools
No information was found.
2.2 Non-state education provision
Independent, non-state schools
Independent schools are owned, managed, and financed by private actors and can be distinguished between non-profit schools, religious schools, or business-oriented educational institutions. These schools are required by law to be registered with the Ministry of Education and can follow their own curriculum. In 2018, private education accounted for 22.7% of total enrolments at primary level, 29.8% at lower secondary level, and 26.9% at upper secondary level.
Exempt Schools are owned and managed by the Roman Catholic Church, and include the Diocesan School, St. Andrew’s School, The Baptist Hight School, and The Seventh Day Adventist School. According to the 1962 Education Act (as amended in 1996), these are autonomous and independent schools which are not required to be registered with the Ministry of Education and not under the Ministry's mandate.
State-funded (government-aided), non-state schools
Grant-in-aid schools are non-profit independent schools in areas with low public provision. To be considered eligible to receive aid, schools are required to adhere to the conditions set in the Education (Grant-In-Aid)) Regulations, and the Education Act, with the funding received being subject to regulations. These schools are allowed to charge tuition fees and modify them upon prior approval by the MoE.
Contracted, non-state schools
No information was found.
2.3 Other types of schools
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is a legal and regulated education practice in the Bahamas. According to the 1962 Education Act (as amended in 1996), parents and/or legal guardians have a duty to ensure that every child of compulsory school age receives full-time education suitable to their age, ability, and aptitude through regular school attendance or (alternatively) through homeschooling. Parents or legal representatives are required to register their child with the MoE Homeschool Unit to obtain the Home School Certificate and the Student Identification Card. The 1962 Education Act (as amended in 1996) provides homeschooled students with the opportunity to access national examinations and participate in national competitions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the MoE provided parents with additional information for homeschooling.
Market contracted (Voucher schools)
No information was found.
Unregistered/Unrecognised schools
The National Accreditation and Equivalency Council of the Bahamas (NAECOB) publishes a list of recognised institutions that can operate at primary, secondary and post-secondary education levels. According to the website “Institutions that are NOT listed, but are offering programmes in The Bahamas, are not registered or recognised by NAECOB”.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) and the National Advisory Council for Education are responsible for the governance of the education system in the Bahamas. The MoE is responsible for the registration and standards for independent schools at pre-primary, primary, secondary, and further education levels, while the National Accreditation and Equivalency Council is responsible for the recognition and accreditation of educational institutions at primary, secondary, and higher education. The Pre-school and Day-Care Council is responsible for the registration, regulation, inspection, governance, and licensing of preschools and day care centres.
At the district education level, the District Superintendents are responsible for each of the fourteen education districts in The Bahamas.
Vision: The Vision 2030: A Shared Vision for Education in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas promotes collaborations with the community, churches, and other education-oriented NGOs and describes the government's intention to increase universal education access through both public and private ECCE institutions, which includes the provision of vouchers to families enrolling in private preschools approved by the government.
3.1 Regulations by distinct levels of education
Early childhood care and education (ECCE) in The Bahamas is divided into day-care and preschool centres. In 2018, enrolment in private ECCE centres accounted for 53.5% of total enrolments at pre-primary and 53.3% at early childhood level.
Registration and approval: According to the 2015 Early Childhood Care Regulations, all non-state day-care facilities and pre-school centres are required to apply for approval and registration at the Pre-school and Day-Care Council. Approval is granted if the minimum requirements are met, which include staff qualifications, financial statements, and infrastructure requirements. Every application must include an emergency, medical, and disaster plan approved by the Ministry of Health, a sanitation certificate issued by the Department of Environmental Health Services, and payment of the registration fee.
Licence: If the applicant meets all the necessary standards, the Pre-school and Day-Care Council issues a certificate of operation, which remains valid for one year. Licenses are subject to annual renewal upon payment of the required fee.
Profit-making: The government allows for non-profit, faith-based, and business (for-profit) institutions to establish and operate ECCE facilities.
Taxes and subsidies: According to the 2014 Value Added Tax Act and the 2014 Value Added Tax Regulations, pre-primary institutions and childcare centres (including after-school care) are exempt from the Value Added Tax. The Universal Pre-Primary Education Initiative intends to increase preschool education access in the Bahamas by providing families with a voucher for their children to attend preschool institutions (including registered private preschools). The 1992 Education Grant-in-Aid Regulations set the conditions for the provision of education grants to non-state education institutions, which include student/teacher ratios and a maximum number of untrained teachers.
Quality of teaching and learning
Curriculum and education standards: According to the 2015 Early Childhood Care Regulations, the curriculum and learning materials of ECCE centres must be age-appropriate and approved by the MoE.
Teaching profession: All ECCE centre staff must be trained in early childhood and possess a basic first aid certification, in accordance with the Regulations and Management of Day-Care Centres and Pre-Schools. The 2004 Early Childhood Act specifies that all staff are required to have a valid police record and no judiciary conviction related to violence, sexual abuse, or any other action specified in the Act.
Sanctions on centre/school closures: If the founder of an ECCE facility is convicted of a criminal offence or the facility is not complying with the license requirements, the Council has the authority to suspend or revoke its certificate of registration.
Fee-setting: No information was found.
Admission selection and processes: No information was found.
Policies for vulnerable groups: The Government covers the payment of tuition fees and mandatory course-related fees for certain students in approved private preschool institutions under the Universal Pre-Primary Education initiative program.
Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability
Reporting requirements: No information was found.
School inspection: ECCE centres may be subject to inspection to determine whether they are operating in accordance with the Law and registration conditions.
Child assessments: No information was found.
Registration and approval: According to the 1962 Education Act (as amended in 1996), all non-state educational institutions must have a valid license to operate under the 2010 Business License Act or the 2019 Non-Profit Organisation Act (depending on ownership) and be registered with the National Accreditation and Equivalency Council of The Bahamas (NAECOB). The latter is a statutory body established under the National Accreditation and Equivalency Council Act of The Bahamas, which is responsible for the registration and accreditation of primary, secondary, and post-secondary schools. Providers, which include individuals, business corporations, non-profit organisations, religious organisations, limited liability partnership companies or limited partnerships, are required to apply for registration with the NAECOB within three months after obtaining their license. Applications must include details of the educational programmes, evaluation process, admission policies, academic staff, and the projection plan of the institution's physical and financial growth. Approval is granted based on the application and a site visit by NAECOB to ensure the fulfilment of the registration criteria. Providers are required to pay a registration fee, which depends on the institution's ownership, and whether they are a national or international provider.
Licence: Registered institutions are required to pay an annual fee to maintain their registration status. Annual fees are based on the student enrolment of each institution.
Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH): No information was found.
Profit-making: According to NAECOB's 2020 Application for the Registration of Primary & Secondary Institutions, institutions may be established by non-profit, faith-based, and business (for-profit) providers. However, according to the 1962 Education Act (as amended in 1996), educational institutions which receive state assistance (by grants or otherwise) are prohibited from operating as for-profit institutions.
Taxes and subsidies: Non-profit independent schools are eligible to apply for government aid if they are in compliance with the regulations set in the 1962 Education Act (as amended in 1996) and the 1992 Education Grant-in-Aid Regulations. According to the 2010 Business License Act, educational institutions of ecclesiastical, cultural, or charitable status are exempt from paying the annual license tax. In addition, independent primary and secondary schools registered with the MoE, the Department of Social Services, or the Public Hospital Authority are exempt from the Value Added Tax according to the 2014 Value Added Tax Act (2014) and the 2014 Value Added Tax Regulations.
Quality of teaching and learning
Curriculum and education standards: According to the 1962 Education Act (as amended in 1996), independent schools can follow their own curriculum, and choose whether to provide secular or religious instruction.
Textbooks and learning materials: No information was found.
Teaching profession: Independent schools are responsible for setting the terms of appointment, conditions of service, and dismissal conditions for their teaching staff, in accordance with the 1962 Education Act (as amended in 1996). Teachers convicted of any violence, abuse, or crime that conflicts with the Education Act cannot be employed at any school. Teachers working in grant-in-aid schools must meet specific qualifications and are prohibited from being employed at any other school or institution during regular school hours without the MoE's approval.
Corporal punishment: The 1962 Education Act (as amended in 1996) makes no specific reference to corporal punishment, but states that the government must be informed of any abuse or misconduct which occurs at the school. The Act additionally prohibits any teacher previously convicted for violence or abuse from being employed in independent school institutions.
Other safety measures and COVID-19: During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions were forced to close by the MoE, and transitioned to remote learning.
Admission selection and processes: Schools can develop their own admissions procedures, which need to be detailed and submitted upon registration.
Fee-setting: In the Application for Registration of Primary and Secondary Institutions, providers are requested to submit information regarding their fee structure and policies. Grant-in-Aid schools can only increase their tuition fees upon prior approval of the MoE.
Policies for vulnerable groups: No information was found.
Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability
School management/board: According to the 1962 Education Act (as amended in 1996), the government must allocate two government officials as Board members of maintained schools.
Reporting requirements: All registered institutions are required to provide an annual report of their institutional performance to NAECOB, which must include evidence of the institution's programme, organisational activities, and financial performance. The report has six (6) parts: General Information, Programme Details, Institutional Statistics, Staff, Governance and Signature.
School inspection: According to the Education Grant in-Aid Regulations, the MoE conducts inspections of assisted and/or registered independent schools. Schools are given advanced notice if an inspection is to take place.
Student assessments: National examinations are administered to students at all educational institutions in four stages: Grade Level Assessment Tests (GLAT) at the end of grades 3 and 6; the Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) at the end of grade 9; and the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) as a final school exam, generally taken at the end of grade 12.
Diplomas and degrees: According to the NAECOB, each institution that applies for registration at the MoE, must include information on graduation requirements and procedures in their application.
Sanctions: Educational institutions that fail to comply with the registration requirements will have their authorisation revoked or suspended, in accordance with the 2010 Business License Act or the 2019 Non-Profit Organisation Act (depending on the institution's ownership). Institutions can be subject to various sanctions by the National Accreditation and Equivalency Council of The Bahamas (NAECOB), including a warning, probation, de-registration, suspension, or revocation when the institution fails to comply with its registration criteria.
Registration and approval: Higher education institutions are required to be registered with the National Accreditation Equivalency Council of The Bahamas (NAECOB). The applicant can be an individual or legal person (national or international), non-profit organisation, business corporation, religious institutions or partnership company established under the 2010 Business Licence Act or 2019 Non-Profit Organisation Act. All applications must include information on the institution's admission process, tuition fees, learning resources, staff qualifications, and finances, in accordance with the 1962 Education Act (as amended in 1996). Approval is granted if the registration criteria are met, which is based on the documentation provided and a site visit to ensure conformity. International institutions of post-secondary education which are accredited by an internationally recognised accreditation body must only apply for Institutional Recognition.
Licence: No information was found.
Profit-making: Higher education institutions can be operated by non-profit, faith-based, and business (for-profit) providers.
Taxes and subsidies: According to the 2014 Value Added Tax Act and the 2014 Value Added Tax Regulations, higher education institutions are exempt from paying the Value Added Tax.
Quality of teaching and learning
Curriculum and education standards: According to the 2021 Application for Registration of Post-Secondary Institutions, all institutions must have clearly defined objectives, evidence-based content, and academic rigour in their programme offerings that are congruent with the institution’s mission, vision and goals. Educational programme standards are reviewed according to the following sub-standards: (i) Programme Mission, Vision and Goals, (ii) Programme Governance and Administration, (iii) Academic Programme Resources and Support, (iv) Programme Effectiveness, and (v) Quality Assurance and Enhancement.
Teaching profession: All academic, administrative and support staff must meet the minimum qualifications and experience, as stated in the Application for Registration of Post-Secondary Institutions. During the institution’s annual report, institutions must include information on new staff hires (Annual Report Post-Secondary, 2021).
Fee-setting: According to the 1962 Education Act (as amended in 1996), post-secondary, non-state institutions must set their tuition fees at an appropriate standard, with all information on the fee structure and policies listed in the Application for Registration of Post-Secondary Institutions.
Admission selection and processes: Institutions are allowed to set their own admission policies, which must be specified during the registration process.
Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability
Management/board: The governance of post-secondary education institutions must include a Chief Administrative Officer and a Board (Application for Registration of Post-Secondary Institutions 2021).
Reporting requirements: All registered institutions are required to provide an annual report of their institutional performance to NAECOB, which must include evidence of the institution's programme, organisational activities, and financial performance. The report has six (6) parts: General Information, Programme Details, Institutional Statistics, Staff, Governance and Signature.
Inspections: During the registration process, the NAECOB conducts a site visit of the institution/provider to determine the extent to which the Institution/Provider conforms with the registration criteria (Application for Registration of Post-Secondary Institutions 2021).
Student assessments: No information was found.
Diplomas and degrees: All providers must include a sample of each award received by a student in the Application for Registration of Post-Secondary Institutions.
Sanctions: According to the 1962 Education Act (as amended in 1996), the state may revoke or suspend an institution's authorisation if it fails to comply with its registration conditions.
3.2 Supplementary private tutoring
To establish a supplementary private tutoring program, providers are required to submit an application to the National Accreditation and Equivalency Council through the Program Accreditation Application. All applications must be accompanied by a valid business license, and include information on the institution's governance, program structure, and staff members.
Financial operation and quality
No information was found.
The application form must include information on the staff, their credentials, and qualifications. According to the 2019 Handbook for Teachers in Bahamian public Schools, public officers are prohibited from engaging either directly or indirectly in private professional practice. Exceptions may be made in special circumstances, with prior written approval from the Department of Public Service.
