Ministry of Education's National Examination Results Virtual Press Conference
Bahamas High School Diploma
Preparing Students for Graduation, Careers, and Lifelong Success
The Bahamas High School Diploma (BHSD) is the national graduation framework established by the Ministry of Education, Science & Technology to ensure that students graduate with the academic knowledge, practical skills, personal development, and civic responsibility needed for success beyond high school.
Introduced in September 2014, the BHSD provides clear academic and non-academic requirements that support students in preparing for college, careers, technical training, entrepreneurship, and responsible citizenship. The first cohort of students graduated under the BHSD framework in 2017.
Have a question? Reach the BHSD Unit.
For parents, students, and the wider community: the BHSD Unit welcomes feedback, queries, and suggestions. For school-related queries, please first speak with your school's BHSD coordinator or principal.
CONTACT THE BHSD UNIT
What is the BHSD?
The BHSD recognises that students have different strengths, goals, and career pathways. The diploma framework provides multiple pathways designed to support students whether they intend to pursue university studies, technical and vocational training, or direct workforce engagement.
Students complete a combination of:
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Core academic subjects
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Programme or elective courses
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Community service
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Job readiness training
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Attendance and punctuality requirements
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Leadership and extracurricular activities (for Honours Diploma)
The BHSD also promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, citizenship, discipline, and demonstrates workplace readiness.
Diploma Pathways
Excellence in Academic & Leadership
3.00
Cumulative GPA
BJC EXAMINATIONS
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4 BJCs at B grade or above.
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Must include - Mathematics, English Language, a Science, plus one other
PLUS
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3 BGCSEs at C or better — or SAT 1000+ / ACT 20+
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80% Attendance and Punctuality
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30 Hours of Community Service
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Completion of Job Readiness (20 Hours)
LEADERSHIP & SERVICE
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1 leadership role
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Plus 3 extra-curricular activities
When the diploma isn't earned.
If a student does not satisfy every BHSD requirement, two school-issued certificates recognise the work they did complete.
Certificate of Achievement
Awarded to students who have satisfied the academic components of the diploma, including BJCs and GPA, but have non-academic criteria outstanding.
Certificate of Accomplishment
Awarded to students who do not meet the required academic standards but have satisfied requirements in Community Service, Job Readiness, Attendance, Punctuality, and Conduct.
Non-Academic Requirements
80%
Attendance
Cumulative Grades 10 - 12
80%
Punctuality
Cumulative Grades 10 - 12
30 Hours
Community Service
Grades 10 & 11 - Unpaid
20 Hours
Job Readiness
Grade 12 - Health & Family Life
The BHSD is open to home-schooled students.
Home-schooled students approved by the Ministry of Education are eligible, through one of three grading options , with the same non-academic standards as their peers.
I
Approved Transcripts
Official transcripts from a Department-recognised authority reflecting Grades 10–12 with CGPA of 2.0 or better.
II
MOE End-of-Year Tests
Sit MOE-approved end-of-year tests in core subjects at each grade level, achieve a C or above.
III
BGCSE Examinations
Achieve a grade of D or better on the BGCSE in compulsory subjects. Diplomas are issued after BGCSE results.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the chosen grading option, home-schooled students must satisfy:
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Registration with the MOE Home School Unit
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4 BJC subjects at grade D minimum (including Math & English)
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Minimum 900 hours of study per year with a logged timetable
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30 hours of unpaid community service (Grades 10 & 11) at a Home-Schooling-Unit-approved site
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20 hours of Job Readiness Training via MOE Virtual Platform
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Civics course of study via the MOE Virtual Platform
Click here to learn more about Homeschooling.