Barbadian Schools

Literacy Rate in Barbados is One of the Highest in the World

There’s a good reason that the Caribbean island of Barbados can claim that its residents have one of the highest rates of literacy in the world. The reason is that the government of Barbados pays for educating its students from the age of four until they reach the age of 18. The island’s intense belief in education has greatly impacted its citizens and allowed the island to advance in many ways. In addition to numerous public primary and secondary schools, there are also colleges and universities located on the island that provide advanced degrees in a number of disciplines. In 2000, the island of Barbados adopted a new program called “EduTech.” The program, which is costing the Barbados government about $213 million dollars, is geared towards increasing the educational levels in its primary and secondary public schools. Specific aspects of the EduTech program are:

To improve the entire school system overall.
To advance the technologies used in classrooms in order to keep students educated in technically advanced ways.
To give teachers additional and updated training.
To allow the school system, as a whole, to function in a more efficient manner.

The ultimate reason that the government has committed to investing so many millions of dollars into the Barbados’ educational system is to ensure that its students exit the system with the skills and desires to succeed in their futures. Also, the government believes that if the students are fully educated when they leave the educational system, the island will ultimately benefit because the students will one day be contributing (both socially and economically) members of society. Barbadian children who are enrolled in public school not only get a guaranteed education, but the government also pays for their school books. There are also many private schools in which parents must pay tuition; however, the educational standards of education in the private schools are the same as the public schools in most cases. When a child reaches the age of 11 in Barbados, he or she must take a “Common Entrance Exam” in order to progress to the next level of education. Again at age 16, students must take another examination. The passing of the exams allows the student to advance in their educational level. Students are guaranteed continued education until they reach the age of 18, and at that age, it is up to the specific student and family whether or not to continue with college. There are several post secondary school educational institutions in Barbados. Following is a sample: Erdiston Teachers' College – Upon completion of courses, students are certified to teach courses or classes. Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic - The bulk of courses at this institution revolve around engineering, commerce, and agriculture. Barbados Hospitality Institute – Students enrolled in this program learn how to work in and effectively run hotels. Barbados Community College – The community college offers Associate Degrees in many disciplines. University of The West Indies – The university has three campuses in Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica. It offers degrees in many areas, and also offers post-graduate degrees. This university has enrolled students from the Caribbean islands as well as from many countries across the entire world.