Education Officials Defend National Exam Results

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Department of Education is on the defensive following the release of this year’s national exam results, which, despite a slight improvement, still show that only 17% of candidates achieved a “D” or above in five BGCSE subjects. Education officials argue that the results do not present an accurate picture as the exams can be taken over three years. They are looking into addressing this issue.

Of the 5,935 candidates who sat the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) exam, only 653, or 11%, received a grade of C or above in five or more subjects. This figure shows a 1.09% increase compared to 2023. However, when it was suggested that the numbers appear dismal, education officials quickly defended their position.

Education Director Dominique McCartney Russell says incremental improvements are expected over the years. The Ministry of Education also reported that 431 candidates received at least a C or above in mathematics, English language, and a science subject, representing 7.26% of the overall candidates. This is an increase of 123 candidates. The report also revealed an increase in results among both male and female candidates.

As for the Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) exam, of the 10,745 candidates, 1,388 received a C or above in five or more subjects, or 12.92% of candidates. Additionally, 1,298 candidates achieved at least a C or above in mathematics, English, and a science subject, representing 12.08% of overall candidates. This area saw a decrease of 0.74%.

Despite these results, the education director stated that the exam results do not display an exact picture.