Warwick Academy has been around for 361 years, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s an old-fashioned school. Striving to live its vision of inspiring students to become lifelong learners, global thinkers and successful leaders who contribute positively to their community, the school prides itself on its ability to adapt with the times.
“It’s about continuous improvement,” says Warwick Academy principal David Horan. “We listen to and engage with people, follow what’s happening internationally and locally, and try to stay very nimble. We’re not scared to change. We respect our history and tradition, but we don’t think we’re old-fashioned.”
The curriculum at Warwick Academy is tailored to achieve the school’s vision, and study programmes are regularly reviewed. It is supplemented by a comprehensive range of cocurricular activities such as music, sport and drama, maximising opportunities for students to find their passion. There is also an emphasis on personalised, pastoral care—the relationships and structure that ensure students’ well-being.
Only in 1995 did Warwick Academy become a fully-fledged fee-paying school at all age levels. The school’s past influences its culture today. “Warwick’s history is as a public school—today we are a private school with a public purpose.
“Diversity, inclusion and belonging are also an important part of who we are. We try to keep our tuition as affordable as possible. At $21,936, we are about $3,000 less expensive than our main on-island competitors.” Horan adds that parents who opt for overseas boarding schools sometimes end up disappointed. “I don’t believe the grass is always greener on the other side,” the principal says.
“To compete, we point to our academic results and the fact that our students are consistently getting into their most appropriate universities to pursue what they’re interested in, whether it’s medicine, business, sport, music or science. You can pay much less than boarding schools’ fees and get the same product at Warwick.”
Warwick’s Sixth Form, comprising about 120 students, offers the International Baccalaureate at Diploma, career-related and Individual Courses levels, as well as BTEC vocational and Bermuda College Dual Enrollment options. The globally recognised qualifications are highly regarded by universities around the world, as reflected in the admissions and scholarships received by Warwick students. “We have created a pre-university environment that we like to think is unique in Bermuda, an environment in which they can develop into young adults,” Horan says.
In total, Warwick has more than 850 students, aged 4 to 18, and 127 staff. All educators on staff have teaching responsibilities, the principal included. A unique feature is Warwick’s Marine Science Facility, opened in September 2020 on waterfront land, long owned by the school, overlooking Hamilton Harbour. Warwick students have conducted marine research and conservation projects at the site, which is also open for use by other schools.
Warwick also has a rich sporting heritage that it is seeking to build on. A high-performance football programme will be offered through the Warwick Football Academy, which was formed in May. The swimming programme, led by national coach Ben Smith, has also been highly successful. And Bermuda’s Olympic champion triathlete Flora Duffy was a former Warwick student. “Flora walked through the corridors, swam in the pool and ran around the field here and she became the best in the world,” Horan points out. “Her message is a powerful one, both for Warwick and for Bermuda.”
So, what constitutes success for Warwick, in terms of the attributes of graduating students? Horan says it boils down to three key questions: “Do they advance into their most appropriate career, college or university? Did they leave as the best decision maker we could possibly deliver? And can they contribute to their community—in terms of service and leadership?” Three affirmative answers and Warwick Academy has accomplished what it set out to do.
117 Middle Road, Warwick – 236-9995 – www.warwick.bm – info@warwick.bm
