The Department of Education today announced the launch of a modernised Student Code of Conduct, which will be implemented across the Bermuda Public School System (BPSS).
The updated Code is the culmination of a comprehensive, multi-year review process that began in 2019. It is designed to foster a strong partnership for student success by creating safer, more respectful, and focused learning environments for every student and educator.
“This Code of Conduct represents our commitment to the safety and success of our students and the professional integrity of our educators,” said The Hon Kim Wilkerson, acting Minister of Education. “A safe and orderly classroom is the foundation of all learning. This framework ensures we are not only teaching students accountability but also affirming the right of our teachers to lead classes free from disruption. When our teachers are supported and our classrooms are secure, our students are focused and empowered to achieve their very best.”
The development of the modernised Code was a deliberately thorough and inclusive process. It involved extensive research, anonymous staff surveys that garnered hundreds of responses, and direct expert consultation. The Code of Conduct Committee, led by educator Tracy Hayward and including school leaders at all three levels of the system, engaged in numerous focus group sessions with a wide cross-section of the community.
The invaluable input from groups including school principals, school counsellors, Parent Teacher Association presidents, the Coalition for the Protection of Children, The Family Centre, a Magistrate, the Department of Child and Family Services, and officers from the Bermuda Police Service was instrumental in shaping the final document. The Department also extends its sincere thanks to the Bermuda Union of Teachers, whose executive members and school representatives participated in foundational focus groups to help guide this important work.
A key principle of the Code is that it is “Instructive, Not Punitive,” shifting the focus to restorative practices that repair harm and use misbehaviour as a teachable moment. Key features include a transparent four-level system for “Clear Expectations, Fair Responses” and a new system-wide policy on personal electronic devices - a directive from the Ministry of Education to ensure consistency and minimise distractions across all schools.
To support the successful implementation of this new approach, the Department of Education is providing ongoing professional development for all staff in restorative practices, working with training partners like Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda (CURB).
The Department recognises that this represents a significant cultural shift, and the initial implementation phase will be supportive and flexible to allow time for staff and students to adapt as training is completed system-wide.
“This Code is effectively a partnership agreement between our schools and our families,” said Commissioner of Education, Mrs. Kalmar Richards. “We are committed to making this a living document, and we will partner with our stakeholders for an initial review in November to identify any areas that can be further strengthened. We urge all parents to review the Code with their children and join us in reinforcing these important values at home.”
The full 2025 Student Code of Conduct, a parent-friendly summary, and Frequently Asked Questions are now available to the public on the Department of Education website at www.moed.bm/Doe. Members of the public and Bermuda Public School families can also subscribe to the Bermuda Public Schools YouTube channel (@BermudaPublicSchools).