1. Introduction
As the national standard for assessing secondary school achievement, the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) exam assesses the academic and career readiness of Bahamian students, giving insight into the health and efficacy of the nation’s education system. This research report examines a comprehensive analysis of recent BGCSE examination results, seeking to move beyond surface-level pass rates to identify underlying trends, patterns, and disparities. By examining performance across core subject areas, this report aims to illuminate the key drivers of student outcomes. The ultimate purpose of this analysis is to provide evidence-based insights that can inform educational policy, guide targeted interventions, and foster a more equitable and successful learning environment for all students in The Bahamas.
2. Methodology
The purpose of this report is to identify and analyze the performance of examinees, by subject domain and letter grade, to present the findings in a format more accessible for gathering insights. Data is categorized primarily by subject domain and letter grades. Letter grades are categorized into grade bands, with A-C representing above-average grades and E-G representing below-average grades. Performance evaluation focuses on these grade bands.
3. Background
Examinee performance is measured using a standardized grading scale that ranges from A to G, as specified by the Ministry of Education and the Technical and Vocational Training Examination and Assessment Division. For simplification, grades are categorized into proficiency bands: A–C indicates above-average performance, while E–G signifies below-average performance. Each grade corresponds to a specific level of proficiency, as detailed below:
- Grade A: Demonstrates specific, appropriate, and comprehensive responses, with evidence of exceptional comprehension and outstanding higher-order skills, including problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Grade B: Reflects specific, appropriate, and comprehensive responses, with strong comprehension and very good higher-order skills in problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Grade C: Indicates responses that are specific and appropriate to the task, showing sound comprehension and good problem-solving skills.
- Grade D: Represents responses that are specific and appropriate, with satisfactory comprehension and adequate problem-solving/critical thinking skills.
- Grade E: Shows general basic knowledge, some comprehension of this knowledge, and limited problem-solving ability.
- Grade F: Reflects limited basic knowledge beyond recall and recognition, with minimal comprehension and notably restricted problem-solving skills.
- Grade G: Indicates very limited basic knowledge confined to recall or recognition, with no evidence of comprehension or problem-solving skills.
4. Key Findings
4.1 Overall. The analysis of the BGCSE 2020 examination dataset reveals distinct patterns of achievement and deficiency across subject domains. While certain disciplines demonstrate strong proficiency and highlight areas of pedagogical success, others expose systemic weaknesses that hinder overall academic readiness. Organizing the results by subject area: S.T.E.M., Arts, Humanities, and Professional & Vocational Studies, provides a clearer understanding of where the education system is performing effectively and where targeted interventions are most urgently required.
4.1 | Table 1: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.)
Subject | % of Above Average Scores (A–C) | % of Average Scores (D) | % of Below Average Scores (E–G) |
Mathematics | 26.37% | 19.02% | 54.61% |
Chemistry | 69.05% | 14.33% | 16.62% |
Physics | 60.71% | 15.36% | 23.93% |
Biology | 37.07% | 21.72% | 41.21% |
Combined Science | 71.07% | 19.29% | 9.64% |
Food and Nutrition | 67.80% | 26.34% | 5.85% |
4.1 | Table 2: The Arts
Subject | % of Above Average Scores (A–C) | % of Average Scores (D) | % of Below Average Scores (E–G) |
Art & Design – A | 75.42% | 16.25% | 8.33% |
Art & Design – B | 87.04% | 7.41% | 5.56% |
Art & Design – C | 65.00% | 15.00% | 20.00% |
Music | 74.30% | 17.32% | 8.38% |
Graphical Communications | 88.46% | 10.00% | 1.54% |
4.1 | Table 3: The Humanities
Subject | % of Above Average Scores (A–C) | % of Average Scores (D) | % of Below Average Scores (E–G) |
English Language | 42.86% | 34.98% | 22.16% |
Literature | 75.53% | 18.43% | 6.04% |
History | 48.17% | 22.58% | 29.25% |
Religious Studies | 61.52% | 19.92% | 18.56% |
Geography | 68.43% | 17.88% | 13.69% |
French | 63.79% | 19.54% | 16.67% |
Spanish | 70.36% | 21.25% | 8.39% |
4.1 | Table 4: Professional & Vocational Studies
Subject | % of Above Average Scores (A–C) | % of Average Scores (D) | % of Below Average Scores (E–G) |
Book-Keeping & Accounts | 33.53% | 16.77% | 49.70% |
Office Procedures | 80.99% | 14.79% | 4.23% |
Keyboarding Skills | 29.68% | 24.09% | 46.24% |
Auto Mechanics | 61.90% | 28.57% | 9.52% |
Electrical Installation | 72.83% | 10.87% | 16.30% |
Carpentry & Joinery | 77.67% | 17.48% | 4.85% |
Clothing Construction | 63.64% | 18.18% | 18.18% |
Commerce | 48.68% | 25.44% | 25.88% |
Economics | 70.18% | 14.04% | 15.79% |
4.2 Foundational Core Subjects. The data reveals notable trends in the foundational core subjects. (Foundational core subjects are the essential disciplines, such as Mathematics, Sciences, Languages, and Humanities, that provide students with the basic knowledge, skills, and competencies needed for higher learning, workforce readiness, and informed citizenship.)
4.2 | Table 1: Performance in Foundational Core Subjects
Subject | Total Candidates | % of A–C Scores | % of E–G Scores |
Mathematics | 3,402 | 26.37% | 54.61% |
Combined Science | 197 | 71.07% | 9.64% |
Chemistry | 349 | 69.05% | 16.62% |
Biology | 1,524 | 37.07% | 41.21% |
French | 174 | 63.79% | 16.67% |
Spanish | 560 | 70.36% | 8.39% |
Physics | 280 | 60.71% | 23.93% |
English Language | 3,199 | 42.86% | 22.16% |
Literature | 331 | 75.53% | 6.04% |
History | 465 | 48.17% | 29.25% |
I. Mathematics
- A–C grade range: 33.81% (BGCSE 2019) to 26.37% (BGCSE 2020)
- E–G grade range: 48.34% (BGCSE 2019) to 54.61% (BGCSE 2020)
Mathematics performance has declined: A–C grades decreased by 7.44%, and E–G grades increased by 6.27%. Overall, performance has worsened.
II. Combined Science
- A–C grade range: 55.67% (BGCSE 2019) to 71.07% (BGCSE 2020)
- E–G grade range: 26.55% (BGCSE 2019) to 9.64% (BGCSE 2020)
Combined Science performance has improved significantly: A–C grades increased by 15.40%, and E–G grades decreased by 16.91%. Overall, performance has strengthened.
III. Chemistry
- A–C grade range: 65.92% (BGCSE 2019) to 69.05% (BGCSE 2020)
- E–G grade range: 19.19% (BGCSE 2019) to 16.62% (BGCSE 2020)
Chemistry performance has improved: A–C grades increased by 3.13%, and E–G grades decreased by 2.57%. Overall, performance has strengthened.
V. Biology
- A–C grade range: 33.84% (BGCSE 2019) to 37.07% (BGCSE 2020)
- E–G grade range: 48.22% (BGCSE 2019) to 41.21% (BGCSE 2020)
Biology performance has improved: A–C grades increased by 3.23%, and E–G grades decreased by 7.01%. Overall, performance has strengthened.
VI. French
- A–C grade range: 70.43% (BGCSE 2019) to 63.79% (BGCSE 2020)
- E–G grade range: 12.61% (BGCSE 2019) to 16.67% (BGCSE 2020)
French performance has declined: A–C grades decreased by 6.64%, and E–G grades increased by 4.06%. Overall, performance has worsened.
VII. Spanish
- A–C grade range: 64.79% (BGCSE 2019) to 70.36% (BGCSE 2020)
- E–G grade range: 10.50% (BGCSE 2019) to 8.39% (BGCSE 2020)
Spanish performance has improved: A–C grades increased by 5.57%, and E–G grades decreased by 2.11%. Overall, performance has strengthened.
VIII. Physics
- A–C grade range: 58.73% (BGCSE 2019) to 60.71% (BGCSE 2020)
- E–G grade range: 24.83% (BGCSE 2019) to 23.93% (BGCSE 2020)
Physics performance has improved slightly: A–C grades increased by 1.98%, and E–G grades decreased by 0.90%. Overall, performance has strengthened modestly.
X. English Language
- A–C grade range: 45.69% (BGCSE 2019) to 42.86% (BGCSE 2020)
- E–G grade range: 20.66% (BGCSE 2019) to 22.16% (BGCSE 2020)
English Language performance has declined slightly: A–C grades decreased by 2.83%, and E–G grades increased by 1.50%. Overall, performance has weakened modestly.
X. Literature
- A–C grade range: 78.57% (BGCSE 2019) to 75.53% (BGCSE 2020)
- E–G grade range: 4.72% (BGCSE 2019) to 6.04% (BGCSE 2020)
Literature performance has declined: A–C grades decreased by 3.04%, and E–G grades increased by 1.32%. Overall, performance has weakened modestly.
XI. History
- A–C grade range: 41.83% (BGCSE 2019) to 48.17% (BGCSE 2020)
- E–G grade range: 35.05% (BGCSE 2019) to 29.25% (BGCSE 2020)
History performance has improved: A–C grades increased by 6.34%, and E–G grades decreased by 5.80%. Overall, performance has strengthened.
4.3 Disparate Performance Across Subject Domains. A comparative analysis shows significant differences in student success rates, categorizing subjects into high-performing and low-performing classifications. High-performing subjects have a concentration of A–C grades scored within the 70% or greater range; in contrast, low-performing subjects have a concentration of over 30% of examinees scoring in the E–G range.
4.3 | Table 1: High-Performing Subjects
High-Performing Subjects | Total Candidates | % of A–C Scores | % of E–G Scores |
Art & Design – A | 240 | 75.42% | 8.33% |
Art & Design – B | 270 | 87.04% | 5.56% |
Carpentry & Joinery | 103 | 77.67% | 4.85% |
Combined Science | 197 | 71.07% | 9.64% |
Economics | 114 | 70.18% | 15.79% |
Electrical Installation | 92 | 72.83% | 16.30% |
Graphical Communications | 130 | 88.46 | 1.54% |
Music | 179 | 74.30% | 8.38% |
Office Procedures | 142 | 80.99% | 4.23% |
Spanish | 560 | 70.36% | 8.39% |
4.3 | Table 2: Low-Performing Subjects
Low-Performing Subjects | Total Candidates | % of A–C Scores | % of E–G Scores |
Biology | 1,524 | 37.07% | 41.21% |
Book-Keeping & Accounts | 167 | 33.53% | 49.70% |
Keyboarding Skills | 465 | 29.68% | 46.24% |
Mathematics | 3,402 | 26.37% | 54.61% |
5. Analysis
The BGCSE 2020 examination results highlight both areas of excellence and persistent systemic weaknesses across subject domains. In S.T.E.M., Chemistry and Physics remain strong, with 69.05% and 60.71% of students respectively achieving above-average scores. Combined Science shows the most significant improvement compared to the BGCSE 2019, with 71.07% of students achieving A–C grades and fewer than 10% scoring poorly, indicating stronger comprehension and problem-solving skills. Biology, however, remains a concern, with only 37.07% of students achieving above-average scores and over 41% falling into the E–G range. Mathematics continues to be the weakest subject overall, with just 26.37% of students achieving A–C grades and more than half performing below average, reflecting ongoing challenges in numeracy.
The Arts domain continues to excel, with consistently high achievement across most subjects. Graphical Communications leads with 88.46% of students achieving above-average scores and very few scoring poorly. Art & Design B (87.04% A–C), Art & Design A (75.42% A–C), and Music (74.30% A–C) also demonstrate strong outcomes. Art & Design C, however, shows weaker results compared to other Arts subjects, with only 65% of students achieving above-average scores and 20% performing below average.
In the Humanities, Literature remains a strong performer with 75.53% of students achieving A–C grades, though results declined slightly compared to 2019. Geography also performs well, with 68.43% of students achieving above-average scores. Religious Studies maintains moderate success, while History shows improvement, rising to 48.17% A–C and reducing its below-average scores to 29.25%. English Language continues to struggle, with only 42.86% of students achieving above-average scores and over 22% performing poorly, highlighting persistent literacy challenges.
Professional and Vocational Studies present a mixed picture. Office Procedures (80.99% A–C) and Carpentry & Joinery (77.67% A–C) stand out as strong performers, while Electrical Installation (72.83% A–C) and Economics (70.18% A–C) also demonstrate solid results. However, Book-Keeping & Accounts remains one of the weakest subjects overall, with only 33.53% of students achieving above-average scores and nearly half performing below average. Keyboarding Skills also shows poor outcomes, with fewer than 30% of students achieving A–C grades and nearly half scoring in the E–G range. Commerce and Biology similarly reveal systemic weaknesses, with more than 30% of students performing below average.
When comparing high- and low-performing subjects, the Arts dominate the high-performing category, with multiple disciplines exceeding 70% A–C scores and maintaining very low failure rates. Combined Science, Economics, Electrical Installation, and Office Procedures also emerge as strong performers. In contrast, Mathematics, Biology, Book-Keeping & Accounts, and Keyboarding Skills are classified as low-performing, each with more than 40% of students scoring in the E–G range. These disparities highlight systemic weaknesses in foundational numeracy, science comprehension, and vocational business skills, which are critical for higher learning and workforce readiness.
6. Conclusion
The BGCSE 2020 results underscores both progress and regression within the education system. The Arts continue to demonstrate outstanding achievement, with subjects such as Graphical Communications, Art & Design B, and Music producing some of the highest success rates across all domains. Combined Science shows remarkable improvement compared to the BGCSE 2019, while Chemistry and Physics remain strong. However, Mathematics continues to be the weakest subject overall, with more than half of students performing below average. Biology also remains a concern, with nearly one-third of students struggling. In the Humanities, Literature and Geography perform strongly, while English Language continues to lag, raising concerns about literacy and communication skills. Vocational studies remain uneven, with strong results in Office Procedures, Carpentry & Joinery, and Electrical Installation, but persistent deficiencies in Book-Keeping, Keyboarding Skills, and Commerce.
Overall, the findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted interventions in Mathematics, Biology, and vocational business subjects, alongside curriculum adjustments to address persistent weaknesses. At the same time, best practices from high-performing disciplines in the Arts, Combined Science, and technical vocational subjects should be leveraged to strengthen weaker areas. A balanced investment across S.T.E.M., Humanities, Arts, and Vocational studies is essential to ensure students graduate with the foundational knowledge, critical thinking skills, and practical competencies required for higher education, workforce readiness, and active citizenship. The results ultimately highlight that while excellence is evident in creative and technical fields, systemic reforms are necessary to address persistent weaknesses in core academic and vocational subjects.
7. Citations
- Department of Statistics. Labour Market Information Newsletter, Volume 33, No. 44. Ministry of Finance, The Bahamas, December 2020.
- Ministry of Education & Technical & Vocational Training Examination and Assessment Division. National Examinations Report BJC & BGCSE 2025. August 2025.