The PLP government has made improving education a priority and we're producing results. Graduation rates are soaring. The Royal Gazette tracks the progress:

Graduation rates rose by five percent this year to reach 96 percent, according to Government.

The figures are based on the number of students enrolled and pursuing their BSC in their S4 year as denominator, with 98 percent graduating from CedarBridge Academy and 94 percent from the Berkeley Institute – a total 96 percent.

Last year, 72 percent of students at CedarBridge Academy and the Berkeley Institute graduated at the end of the school year, with a further seven percent after summer school – a total of 91 percent. The graduation rate breaks down as 76 percent at CedarBridge Academy and 83 percent at the Berkeley Institute.

In contrast, in 2006 the overall graduation rate was 58 percent, in 2005 57 percent, and in 2004 53 percent.

Graduation rates are up dramatically since 2005 and 2006. This good news is a testament to the hard work of our students and teachers. But, it's also a result of a long term commitment to education on behalf of the PLP government. We studied the problem with our education system, we produced thoughtful recommendations and we're successfully implementing those recommendations. We've long been committed to reforming our education system and we're delivering for Bermuda. More good news:

The students graduating using the number enrolled and pursuing their BSC in their S1 year as denominator, were 65 percent at the end of the 2007-8 school year and seven percent after summer school, bringing the total to 71 percent.

This marks a 27 percent increase on 2007, when 44 percent attained their BSC.

Minister Horton concludes:

I am happy to state that the graduation rate percentages calculated by using S4 as the denominator show that local students are not performing as dismally as the community has been led to believe.

In fact, data shows that 98 percent of the S4 students at CedarBridge Academy graduated, while 94 percent of the S4 students at Berkeley Institute graduated. This reflects an overall graduation average of 96 percent...

I can state today that we are pleased with the continued positive trend for graduation rates, the advances made with data collection and, more importantly, with the increased level of accountability and ownership for student improvement demonstrated by both senior schools achieved through hard work and commitment.

If we continue to work together - Ministry, principals, teachers, parents and students - it is fully anticipated that these outcomes will continue their upward trend in the future.

These graduation rates aren't the only encouraging news when it comes to education. Just this year, the PLP government passed landmark education reform and provided free Bermuda College to all Bermudians - and, statistics suggest that Bermudians are taking advantage of the opportunity to get higher education.

Improving education improves opportunity for Bermudians - and, it also helps attract and keep international business on the island. We must provide a highly educated, highly trained workforce in order to attract good paying jobs. And, it's clear by the PLP government's proven results that education in Bermuda is heading in the right direction.