New programmes are to be introduced to the Island's two secondary schools to better prepare students for the world of work.

The Ministry of Education and Development and the two senior principals have met with the National Training Board to discuss which technical and vocational programmes can be added to the curriculum.

Education permanent secretary Michelle Khaldun said: “In addition, we are reviewing a programme to prepare our students to enter the financial services industry, as this is a major component of the employment market in Bermuda. “In all of these efforts, the schools are conscious of the need to focus on improving our students' work ethics - the attitude and way of thought that will lead to success in the business community.”

But the Ministry said it was also currently conducting a review of the structure of the senior schools to ensure that they were operating in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Ms Khaldun said the review has included meetings with all of the stakeholders, including students, parents and all categories of staff within the schools, and representatives of the boards from both CedarBridge Academy and Berkeley Institute.

She added: “We have also conducted surveys of students, staff and parents of the two schools. During the summer, the results and recommendations of this review will be studied and actions agreed for future implementation.”

Ms Khaldun said each of the two schools had accepted its compliment of students for S1 this September, and each had an increased enrolment on last year, but there were still some late enquiries coming in for placement.

Last year there were 450 students at Berkeley, but this year the estimate is 500, and CedarBridge had 860 students in 2002, compared to a likely 950 this year.

“These enquiries are being accommodated as the Ministry is committed to providing space for all persons who wish to receive their education in the Bermuda Public School system,” said the permanent secretary.

“At present, we have a conservative estimate for an enrolment of 500 students at the Berkeley Institute and 950 students at CedarBridge Academy.

“The Ministry is pleased to report this increase over last year's enrolment. As a result of the successful actions taken last year with extended school day scheduling and the additional classrooms, the schools will be able to accommodate the increased number.”

However, the Ministry did not say the reasons behind the increased enrolment number, and whether it could be down to a previous baby boom, or improved faith in the public system.

The permanent secretary said during the past year both public senior school principals and board executives had worked closely together on matters of common concern.