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 2023 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 | 22.07% | 13.83% | 64.11% |
Chemistry | 67.65% | 13.24% | 19.12% |
Physics | 59.65% | 14.33% | 26.02% |
Biology | 36.86% | 24.97% | 38.17% |
Combined Science | 63.40% | 15.74% | 20.85% |
Food and Nutrition | 75.14% | 20.57% | 4.29% |
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 | 78.93% | 12.81% | 8.26% |
Art & Design – B | 84.65% | 12.99% | 2.36% |
Art & Design – C | 90.00% | 0.00% | 10.00% |
Music | 78.85% | 15.42% | 5.73% |
Graphical Communications | 79.38% | 13.75% | 6.88% |
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 | 40.21% | 34.03% | 25.77% |
Literature | 73.36% | 16.16% | 10.48% |
History | 47.03% | 24.31% | 28.65% |
Religious Studies | 69.52% | 16.08% | 14.40% |
Geography | 73.69% | 17.64% | 8.67% |
French | 61.49% | 20.11% | 18.39% |
Spanish | 58.70% | 23.89% | 17.41% |
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 | 48.82% | 19.41% | 31.76% |
Office Procedures | 73.61% | 15.28% | 11.11% |
Keyboarding Skills | 45.05% | 20.85% | 34.09% |
Auto Mechanics | 84.00% | 14.00% | 2.00% |
Electrical Installation | 56.02% | 24.10% | 19.88% |
Carpentry & Joinery | 86.67% | 10.00% | 3.33% |
Clothing Construction | 47.32% | 29.46% | 23.21% |
Commerce | 44.67% | 25.38% | 29.95% |
Economics | 54.46% | 21.43% | 24.11% |
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 | 3,059 | 22.07% | 64.11% |
Combined Science | 235 | 63.40% | 20.85% |
Chemistry | 476 | 67.65% | 19.12% |
Biology | 2,279 | 36.86% | 38.17% |
French | 174 | 61.49% | 18.39% |
Spanish | 586 | 58.70% | 17.41% |
Physics | 342 | 59.65% | 26.02% |
English Language | 3,885 | 40.21% | 25.77% |
Literature | 563 | 73.36% | 10.48% |
History | 691 | 47.03% | 28.65% |
I. Mathematics
- A–C grade range: 32.55% (BGCSE 2022) to 22.07% (BGCSE 2023)
- E–G grade range: 51.88% (BGCSE 2022) to 64.11% (BGCSE 2023)
Mathematics performance has declined sharply: A–C grades decreased by 10.48%, and E–G grades increased by 12.23%. Overall, performance has worsened significantly.
II. Combined Science
- A–C grade range: 66.21% (BGCSE 2022) to 63.40% (BGCSE 2023)
- E–G grade range: 22.76% (BGCSE 2022) to 20.85% (BGCSE 2023)
Combined Science performance has improved slightly: A–C grades decreased by 2.81%, but E–G grades decreased by 1.91%. Overall, performance has strengthened modestly.
III. Chemistry
- A–C grade range: 71.89% (BGCSE 2022) to 67.65% (BGCSE 2023)
- E–G grade range: 12.25% (BGCSE 2022) to 19.12% (BGCSE 2023)
Chemistry performance has declined: A–C grades decreased by 4.24%, and E–G grades increased by 6.87%. Overall, performance has worsened.
V. Biology
- A–C grade range: 40.17% (BGCSE 2022) to 36.86% (BGCSE 2023)
- E–G grade range: 40.31% (BGCSE 2022) to 38.17% (BGCSE 2023)
Biology performance has declined slightly: A–C grades decreased by 3.31%, and E–G grades decreased by 2.14%. Overall, performance has weakened modestly.
VI. French
- A–C grade range: 62.38% (BGCSE 2022) to 61.49% (BGCSE 2023)
- E–G grade range: 15.35% (BGCSE 2022) to 18.39% (BGCSE 2023)
French performance has worsened: A–C grades decreased by 0.89%, and E–G grades increased by 3.04%. Overall, performance has declined.
VII. Spanish
- A–C grade range: 57.92% (BGCSE 2022) to 58.70% (BGCSE 2023)
- E–G grade range: 17.19% (BGCSE 2022) to 17.41% (BGCSE 2023)
Spanish performance has remained stable: A–C grades increased by 0.78%, and E–G grades increased by 0.22%. Overall, performance is consistent.
VIII. Physics
- A–C grade range: 65.34% (BGCSE 2022) to 59.65% (BGCSE 2023)
- E–G grade range: 18.25% (BGCSE 2022) to 26.02% (BGCSE 2023)
Physics performance has declined: A–C grades decreased by 5.69%, and E–G grades increased by 7.77%. Overall, performance has worsened.
X. English Language
- A–C grade range: 50.96% (BGCSE 2022) to 40.21% (BGCSE 2023)
- E–G grade range: 16.41% (BGCSE 2022) to 25.77% (BGCSE 2023)
English Language performance has declined significantly: A–C grades decreased by 10.75%, and E–G grades increased by 9.36%. Overall, performance has worsened.
X. Literature
- A–C grade range: 81.35% (BGCSE 2022) to 73.36% (BGCSE 2023)
- E–G grade range: 5.18% (BGCSE 2022) to 10.48% (BGCSE 2023)
Literature performance has declined: A–C grades decreased by 7.99%, and E–G grades increased by 5.30%. Overall, performance has worsened significantly.
XI. History
- A–C grade range: 56.35% (BGCSE 2022) to 47.03% (BGCSE 2023)
- E–G grade range: 24.27% (BGCSE 2022) to 28.65% (BGCSE 2023)
History performance has declined: A–C grades decreased by 9.32%, and E–G grades increased by 4.38%. Overall, performance has worsened.
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 | 242 | 78.93% | 8.26% |
Art & Design – B | 254 | 84.65% | 2.36% |
Art & Design – C | 10 | 90.00% | 10.00% |
Auto Mechanics | 50 | 84.00% | 2.00% |
Carpentry & Joinery | 150 | 86.67% | 3.33% |
Geography | 669 | 73.69% | 8.67% |
Graphical Communications | 160 | 79.38% | 6.88% |
Literature | 563 | 73.36% | 10.48% |
Office Procedures | 288 | 73.61% | 11.11% |
4.3 | Table 2: Low-Performing Subjects
Low-Performing Subjects | Total Candidates | % of A–C Scores | % of E–G Scores |
Biology | 2,279 | 36.86% | 38.17% |
Book-Keeping & Accounts | 340 | 48.82% | 31.76% |
Keyboarding Skills | 657 | 45.05% | 34.09% |
Mathematics | 3,059 | 22.07% | 64.11% |
5. Analysis
The BGCSE 2023 examination results reveal widening disparities across subject domains, with strong performance in the Arts and certain vocational subjects but sharp declines in core S.T.E.M. and Humanities disciplines. In S.T.E.M., Chemistry remains relatively strong with 67.65% of students achieving above-average scores, though this represents a decline compared to 2022. Physics shows a notable drop, with A–C scores falling to 59.65% and below-average scores rising to 26.02%. Mathematics continues to be the weakest subject overall, with only 22.07% of students achieving A–C grades and nearly two-thirds performing below average, marking a significant decline from 2022. Biology also remains problematic, with fewer than 40% of students achieving above-average scores and 38.17% scoring poorly. Combined Science shows modest improvement, with 63.40% of students achieving A–C grades and fewer scoring in the E–G range compared to 2022.
The Arts domain continues to excel, with consistently high achievement across all subjects. Art & Design B (84.65% A–C), Art & Design A (78.93% A–C), and Graphical Communications (79.38% A–C) demonstrate strong outcomes, while Music also performs well with nearly 79% of students achieving above-average scores. Art & Design C shows mixed results, with 90% of students achieving A–C grades but 10% still scoring poorly. 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 with 73.36% of students achieving A–C grades, though this represents a decline compared to 2022. Geography also demonstrates excellence with 73.69% of students achieving above-average scores. Religious Studies performs well at 69.52% A–C. English Language, however, shows a sharp decline, with only 40.21% of students achieving above-average scores and more than one-quarter scoring poorly. History also worsened, with A–C scores dropping to 47.03% and nearly 29% of students performing below average, reflecting persistent challenges in historical comprehension and analysis.
Professional and Vocational Studies present a mixed picture. Carpentry & Joinery (86.67% A–C), Auto Mechanics (84.00% A–C), and Office Procedures (73.61% A–C) stand out as strong performers, while Electrical Installation and Economics show moderate success. However, Book-Keeping & Accounts remains weak, with fewer than half of students achieving above-average scores and nearly one-third performing poorly. Keyboarding Skills also shows concerning results, with only 45.05% of students achieving A–C grades and more than one-third scoring in the E–G range. Commerce and Clothing Construction reveal moderate performance but still leave significant proportions of students struggling.
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. Carpentry & Joinery, Auto Mechanics, and Office Procedures also emerge as strong performers among vocational subjects. In contrast, Mathematics, Biology, Book-Keeping & Accounts, and Keyboarding Skills are classified as low-performing, each with more than 30% 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 2023 results underscores both excellence and decline 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. Carpentry & Joinery and Auto Mechanics also confirm the strength of technical vocational training. However, Mathematics continues to be the weakest subject overall, with performance declining sharply compared to 2022. English Language and History also show significant declines, raising concerns about literacy and historical comprehension. Chemistry and Physics remain relatively strong but both show weaker outcomes than in previous years. Vocational studies remain uneven, with strong results in technical areas 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, English Language, History, 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. Citations
- Department of Statistics. Labour Market Information Newsletter, Volume 36, No. 47. Ministry of Finance, The Bahamas, June 2023.
- Ministry of Education & Technical & Vocational Training Examination and Assessment Division. National Examinations Report BJC & BGCSE 2025. August 2025.