The Ministry of Educational Transformation will introduce a new hybrid model to replace the Barbados Secondary Schools Entrance Examination (BSSEE), also known as the Common Entrance Examination or 11-Plus Exam, by September 2028.
Student placement at the secondary level will be based on a blended assessment model comprising 50 per cent standardised written exam and 50 per cent continuous assessment guided by a nationally prescribed framework.
Assessment will also be expanded beyond the traditional focus on Mathematics and Language Arts, to include Social Studies with Citizenship and Science.
Minister Chad Blackman made the announcement during a ministerial statement in Parliament on Tuesday, saying the reforms respond directly to public consultation and are designed to bring greater equity, personalisation, and national confidence to Barbados’ education system.
He explained that following consultations in 2023 and further meetings with key stakeholders, including teachers’ unions, the ministry refined its approach to student placement and secondary school reform.
“The single exam will be replaced by this hybrid, more equitable and competency-based student placement system, ensuring a fair approach to student evaluation and placement,” Blackman stated.
He added: “Students will have multiple sets of opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills competencies through various formats, not only via standardised written exams, but also through alternative assessment methods such as project-based work, curated portfolios, structured quizzes, reflective journals and observational checklists. This approach, Mr Speaker, recognises the diverse way students learn and communicate, understanding and is specifically designed to foster deeper engagement, creativity, and importantly, critical thinking.”
Blackman said this new model will use student performance data from Class 3 and Class 4, in combination with a modified national written exam at the end of Class 3 and Class 4.
“The continuous assessment component will track learning progress over time, highlighting consistency, effort, and applied understanding across multiple subject areas. As we move towards greater equity, these assessment waitings may be adjusted as the continuous assessment framework is piloted, evaluated and improved over time and importantly, the assessment framework is developmental in nature with targeted support for areas where students need the most help,” he explained.
The new system will incorporate a progressive student profile that will be developed for each student and will continue with them into secondary school, supporting more targeted and personalised teaching and learning. It will also take into account both choice and geographic location when assigning school placements, to promote gender equity in the allocation of students to secondary schools.
“Through these changes, we strive to support every student’s unique journey, to build greater equity and strengthen confidence in our education system for all Barbadian families,” the minister told lawmakers.
He explained that the balance model allows for a more holistic view of each student’s readiness for transition. Each student will transition to secondary school with a comprehensive learner profile, documenting their academic strengths, areas requiring support, learning styles, and developmental progress.
“This profile will serve as a critical tool for receiving schools, enabling teachers to differentiate instruction and implement targeted interventions from day one. Furthermore, and importantly, it will also be directly informing the development of individualised learning plans, or individualised education plans for students with specific learning needs, ensuring that support is both proactive and student-centred, grounded in real data,” Blackman said.
An appeals process will also be established in circumstances where the assigned school placement has “led to undue hardship on the student and or the family, and all appeals, the minister stated, will be reviewed by a designated panel appointed by the ministry.”
“The consideration of appeals will be subject to availability at the preferred school and will be managed in a manner that preserves the integrity and fairness of the overall placement process itself. Through this mechanism, Mr Speaker, student welfare will be paramount whilst ensuring that the placement framework is robust and impartial.”
Admissions will follow a 50/50 model: half from within a school’s catchment, half from outside. Minimum scores will apply, but flexibility remains for students living in the school’s area.
“These minimum scores may vary each year depending on the overall performance of the student cohort and the number of available spaces at the school. It should be noted that there will be no disturbance with respect to the gender parity policy that has existed for decades for the allocation of our students.”
Teacher preparation will begin this academic year. The Erdiston Teachers’ Training College, in collaboration with an international university, will offer training in continuous assessment and differentiated instruction.
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