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 2021 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 | 29.50% | 17.86% | 52.64% |
Chemistry | 70.47% | 10.84% | 18.69% |
Physics | 62.33% | 16.80% | 20.87% |
Biology | 39.87% | 20.12% | 40.01% |
Combined Science | 61.25% | 16.97% | 21.77% |
Food and Nutrition | 64.05% | 32.02% | 3.93% |
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 | 88.37% | 8.84% | 2.79% |
Art & Design – B | 88.29% | 8.11% | 3.60% |
Art & Design – C | 100.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Music | 78.95% | 12.72% | 8.33% |
Graphical Communications | 94.44% | 4.76% | 0.79% |
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 | 49.48% | 28.06% | 22.46% |
Literature | 79.18% | 14.51% | 6.31% |
History | 47.62% | 25.29% | 27.09% |
Religious Studies | 65.67% | 18.75% | 15.58% |
Geography | 75.17% | 17.71% | 7.12% |
French | 57.59% | 25.32% | 17.09% |
Spanish | 59.25% | 24.92% | 15.83% |
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 | 33.05% | 16.81% | 50.14% |
Office Procedures | 87.13% | 9.57% | 3.30% |
Keyboarding Skills | 25.69% | 24.51% | 49.80% |
Auto Mechanics | 87.50% | 5.00% | 7.50% |
Electrical Installation | 64.54% | 12.77% | 22.70% |
Carpentry & Joinery | 80.18% | 12.61% | 7.21% |
Clothing Construction | 71.23% | 10.96% | 17.81% |
Commerce | 52.78% | 26.04% | 21.18% |
Economics | 67.91% | 14.97% | 17.11% |
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 | 3,102 | 29.50% | 52.64% |
Combined Science | 271 | 61.25% | 21.77% |
Chemistry | 535 | 70.47% | 18.69% |
Biology | 2,217 | 39.87% | 40.01% |
French | 158 | 57.59% | 17.09% |
Spanish | 638 | 59.25% | 15.83% |
Physics | 369 | 62.33% | 20.87% |
English Language | 3,571 | 49.48% | 22.46% |
Literature | 586 | 79.18% | 6.31% |
History | 609 | 47.62% | 27.09% |
I. Mathematics
- A–C grade range: 26.37% (BGCSE 2020) to 29.50% (BGCSE 2021)
- E–G grade range: 54.61% (BGCSE 2020) to 52.64% (BGCSE 2021)
Mathematics performance has improved slightly: A–C grades increased by 3.13%, and E–G grades decreased by 1.97%. Overall, performance has strengthened modestly.
II. Combined Science
- A–C grade range: 71.07% (BGCSE 2020) to 61.25% (BGCSE 2021)
- E–G grade range: 9.64% (BGCSE 2020) to 21.77% (BGCSE 2021)
Combined Science performance has declined significantly: A–C grades decreased by 9.82%, and E–G grades increased by 12.13%. Overall, performance has worsened.
III. Chemistry
- A–C grade range: 69.05% (BGCSE 2020) to 70.47% (BGCSE 2021)
- E–G grade range: 16.62% (BGCSE 2020) to 18.69% (BGCSE 2021)
Chemistry performance has changed slightly: A–C grades increased by 1.42%, but E–G grades increased by 2.07%. Overall, performance remains strong but slightly less consistent.
V. Biology
- A–C grade range: 37.07% (BGCSE 2020) to 39.87% (BGCSE 2021)
- E–G grade range: 41.21% (BGCSE 2020) to 40.01% (BGCSE 2021)
Biology performance has improved slightly: A–C grades increased by 2.80%, and E–G grades decreased by 1.20%. Overall, performance has strengthened modestly.
VI. French
- A–C grade range: 63.79% (BGCSE 2020) to 57.59% (BGCSE 2021)
- E–G grade range: 16.67% (BGCSE 2020) to 17.09% (BGCSE 2021)
French performance has worsened: A–C grades decreased by 6.20%, and E–G grades increased by 0.42%. Overall, performance has weakened.
VII. Spanish
- A–C grade range: 70.36% (BGCSE 2020) to 59.25% (BGCSE 2021)
- E–G grade range: 8.39% (BGCSE 2020) to 15.83% (BGCSE 2021)
Spanish performance has declined: A–C grades decreased by 11.11%, and E–G grades increased by 7.44%. Overall, performance has worsened.
VIII. Physics
- A–C grade range: 60.71% (BGCSE 2020) to 62.33% (BGCSE 2021)
- E–G grade range: 23.93% (BGCSE 2020) to 20.87% (BGCSE 2021)
Physics performance has improved: A–C grades increased by 1.62%, and E–G grades decreased by 3.06%. Overall, performance has strengthened.
X. English Language
- A–C grade range: 42.86% (BGCSE 2020) to 49.48% (BGCSE 2021)
- E–G grade range: 22.16% (BGCSE 2020) to 22.46% (BGCSE 2021)
English Language performance has improved: A–C grades increased by 6.62%, while E–G grades increased slightly by 0.30%. Overall, performance has strengthened.
X. Literature
- A–C grade range: 75.53% (BGCSE 2020) to 79.18% (BGCSE 2021)
- E–G grade range: 6.04% (BGCSE 2020) to 6.31% (BGCSE 2021)
Literature performance has improved: A–C grades increased by 3.65%, and E–G grades increased by 0.27%. Overall, performance has strengthened.
XI. History
- A–C grade range: 48.17% (BGCSE 2020) to 47.62% (BGCSE 2021)
- E–G grade range: 29.25% (BGCSE 2020) to 27.09% (BGCSE 2021)
History performance has changed slightly: A–C grades decreased by 0.55%, and E–G grades decreased by 2.16%. Overall, performance remains stable with slight improvement in failure rates.
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 | 215 | 88.37% | 2.79% |
Art & Design – B | 222 | 88.29% | 3.60% |
Art & Design – C | 9 | 100.00% | 0.00% |
Auto Mechanics | 40 | 87.50% | 7.50% |
Carpentry & Joinery | 111 | 80.18% | 7.21% |
Chemistry | 535 | 70.47% | 18.69% |
Clothing Construction | 73 | 71.23% | 17.81% |
Geography | 576 | 75.17% | 7.12% |
Graphical Communications | 126 | 94.44% | 0.79% |
Literature | 586 | 79.18% | 6.31% |
Music | 228 | 78.95% | 8.33% |
Office Procedures | 303 | 87.13% | 3.30% |
4.3 | Table 2: Low-Performing Subjects
Low-Performing Subjects | Total Candidates | % of A–C Scores | % of E–G Scores |
Biology | 2,217 | 39.87% | 40.01% |
Book-Keeping & Accounts | 357 | 33.05% | 50.14% |
Keyboarding Skills | 506 | 25.69% | 49.80% |
Mathematics | 3,102 | 29.50% | 52.64% |
5. Analysis
The BGCSE 2021 examination results reveal a clear divide between high-performing and low-performing subject domains. In S.T.E.M., Chemistry remains strong with 70.47% of students achieving above-average scores, while Physics also performs well at 62.33% A–C. Combined Science, however, shows a significant decline compared to 2020, dropping to 61.25% A–C and rising to 21.77% E–G, indicating weaker comprehension and application skills. Mathematics continues to be one of the weakest subjects, with only 29.50% of students achieving above-average scores and more than half performing below average. Biology also remains problematic, with fewer than 40% of students achieving A–C grades and 40% scoring poorly.
The Arts domain continues to excel, with exceptional performance across all subjects. Art & Design C achieved a perfect 100% A–C score, while Graphical Communications (94.44% A–C), Art & Design A (88.37% A–C), and Art & Design B (88.29% A–C) all demonstrate outstanding outcomes. Music also performs strongly, with nearly 79% of students achieving above-average scores. These results confirm the Arts as the most consistently high-performing domain, with very low proportions of students scoring in the E–G range.
In the Humanities, Literature remains a strong performer, rising to 79.18% A–C, while Geography also demonstrates excellence with 75.17% of students achieving above-average scores. Religious Studies maintains solid results at 65.67% A–C. English Language shows improvement compared to 2020, with nearly half of students achieving above-average scores, though 22% still fall into the E–G range. History remains moderate, with 47.62% of students achieving A–C grades and over one-quarter scoring poorly, reflecting persistent challenges in historical comprehension and analysis.
Professional and Vocational Studies present a mixed picture. Office Procedures (87.13% A–C), Auto Mechanics (87.50% A–C), and Carpentry & Joinery (80.18% A–C) stand out as strong performers, while Clothing Construction and Economics also show solid results. However, Book-Keeping & Accounts and Keyboarding Skills remain weak, with fewer than 35% of students achieving above-average scores and nearly half performing below average. Commerce also shows moderate performance, with 21% of students scoring poorly.
When comparing high- and low-performing subjects, the Arts dominate the high-performing category, with multiple disciplines exceeding 80% A–C scores and maintaining very low failure rates. Literature, Geography, Chemistry, 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 2021 dataset underscores both excellence and persistent challenges within the education system. The Arts continue to demonstrate outstanding achievement, with subjects such as Art & Design, Graphical Communications, and Music producing some of the highest success rates across all domains. Literature and Geography also confirm the Humanities’ potential for excellence, while Chemistry and Physics remain strong in S.T.E.M.. However, Mathematics and Biology continue to be critical weaknesses, with large proportions of students performing below average. Combined Science also shows a significant decline compared to the BGCSE 2020, raising concerns about science comprehension. Vocational studies remain uneven, with strong results in technical areas like Auto Mechanics and Carpentry, but persistent deficiencies in business-related disciplines such as Book-Keeping and Keyboarding Skills.
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, Literature, 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. Citation
- Department of Statistics. Labour Market Information Newsletter, Volume 34, No. 45. Ministry of Finance, The Bahamas, December 2021.
- Ministry of Education & Technical & Vocational Training Examination and Assessment Division. National Examinations Report BJC & BGCSE 2025. August 2025.