Barbadian schools are all English speaking and so children of expats have no problems with the language. Primary education begins at age 5 and secondary is from 11 to 16 years of age. Education is administered by the Ministry of Education and is free in Government schools. There are 93 primary schools and 22 secondary schools which are run by the government.

The examination system in schools is basically the same as the ones that apply in UK schools. There is an entrance exam at 11 for secondary schools and then exams at 16 that are held in a wide variety of subjects. This can lead to University either in Barbados itself or the UK or USA or skill based vocational studies. The high rate of literacy proves that the system is successful.

Scholarships are awarded for pupils to study in the United Kingdom and Caribbean institutions. The Barbados branch of the University of the West Indies is situated at Cave Hill and the government pays the fees of Barbadian students who are enrolled there. There is also the Barbados Community college.

In 1995 the adult literacy rate was approximately 2.6% and there are also adult education facilities at the extramural centre of the University of the West Indies. In addition there is a teacher training college and the Samuel Jackman Prescod polytechnic.

Barbados also has special schools for the deaf, blind and mentally handicapped and this includes two residential institutions for the disabled. There are also facilities to integrate special needs children into main stream schools.

The school year is divided into three terms which run from September to December, January to April and April to July. Education is broken down into 4 levels. From the ages of three to five, children are in nursery education, from the ages of 5 – 11 they are in primary education and from the ages of 11-16 they are in secondary education although they have the option to continue beyond the age of 16.

Even at primary level students learn the usual range of subjects as well as Spanish, social studies, moral and religious education and visual arts. Government schools provide meals at low cost and also provide children with free textbooks on loan.

Barbados also has a small number of private primary schools. There are 15 assisted private secondary schools and 7 senior schools for children between the ages of 14 and 16. There are also several private nurseries for pre-school children. Private schools can be expensive and prices range from BBD$13,850 to BBD$27,500 on top of which there are registration fees as well as administration and screening fees. Costs are cheaper for Barbadians than for foreigners although there are some provisions for special cases.