The number of students attending Bermuda College through a new scholarship programme has almost doubled this year.

Senator Owen Darrell told colleagues in the Upper House yesterday that 47 students enrolled at the facility at the start of the academic year after being awarded a scholarship through government’s College Promise programme.

In 2019 – the year the scholarship was introduced – 26 students were awarded the scholarship and went on to enrol at the college.

Mr Darrell said 23 or 88 per cent of last year’s intake stayed on for a second year of studies.

Responding to questions put by the Opposition, Mr Darrell added: “The Bermuda College makes a distinction between scholarships and financial aid.

“This semester, 71 students received financial assistance from the tuition grant, which comprised of 44 students in the academic divisions and 27 students in the PACE.

“To date 871 awards have been granted to Bermuda College students since this annual grant was put in place in 2017. 104 students were awarded financial assistance by the Bermuda College Foundation.”

Sen Darrell said 90 per cent of Bermuda College enrolments were from the Bermuda public school system.