Overview of the School
Saltus Grammar Prospectus
Saltus Grammar School is a co-educational, independent day school of excellent reputation. It is the premier independent school in Bermuda and is well known in the international community. The school is located in the capital of Bermuda, Hamilton. It is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) in North America and is an accredited member of CESI (The Canadian Educational Standards Institute).

Founded in 1888 as a boys' grammar school, it became fully co-educational in 1991, a change matched by extensive building renovation. Over 1,000 students are educated in three constituent schools: Lower Primary (Foundation Year, Saltus 1 & 2), which has its own separate campus, Upper Primary (Saltus 3, 4, 5 & 6) and the Secondary Department (Saltus 7 – 11) which also includes the Saltus Graduate Years (Saltus 12 & 13). Both Upper Primary and the Secondary Department share the main campus on the northwestern outskirts of Hamilton. Its current Headmaster, Ted Staunton, assumed his post in August of 2009 having formerly been the Head of St. Andrew's College in Canada..

Each grade has four forms of entry with an overall student/teacher ratio of approximately 1 to 11. Seventy-five percent of the students are Bermudian; 25% are from the international community which (through international finance, insurance, trust management and tourism) forms a central part of the Bermudian economy. While fees are around $17,000 per annum, a bursary trust offers support of some $350,000 annually in scholarships and financial aid. Saltus is proud to have educated many leading figures in Bermuda's political and business world along with members of almost every leading family in Bermudian society. It is equally proud of the flexibility with which it has led educational change. Its popularity is reflected in substantial waiting lists for entry to most years.

The 131 staff of the School include an experienced, graduate, qualified team of 97 teachers, supported by administrative and technical staff. Over 72% of teachers are Bermudian, spouses of Bermudians or hold Permanent Resident's Certificates.

The international curriculum blends the best of both European and American traditions. Results in the PSAT, SAT, AP and GCSE (following Cambridge and some EdExel syllabuses) are excellent. GCSE results for the past 5 years were particularly strong with 78% of students gaining 7 or more 'A' to 'C' grades. The ability range is broad - students are no longer selected at 11 plus. Learning Services are available for all but students with severe learning difficulties and the school is developing Extension programmes for the Talented and Gifted student.

That results are so good is a tribute to good teaching and also to generally well-motivated students and supportive families. After GCSE, the tradition is North American - reflecting the preferred destination of most School graduates for university education. The "Saltus Graduate Years" (SGY), or sixth form, mirrors the US 'Senior Year' in offering first class preparation for higher and further education, many courses offering the College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. Of an average of 65 students in SGY 2, 95% traditionally enter universities in the USA, Canada and occasionally the UK (ranging from US schools such as Princeton, Yale, Brown and MIT to Canada's University of Western Ontario, Queen's and McGill to Edinburgh in the UK).

School life is enriched by a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. The Physical Education programme is excellent, supported by an on-site swimming pool and large gymnasium - and we lead the field in soccer and hockey, with teams also competing overseas. Music is well established with the Upper Primary and Secondary Department orchestras, a Secondary Wind Band and the acclaimed Saltus Jazz Band which has opened for international musicians and Bermuda's own annual Music Festival. Students do well with the Royal Schools of Music examinations. Drama productions, a Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, The Saltus Island Project and many other extra-curricular activities offer something for everyone.

The school has invested substantially in new computer technology. Laptops are fully integrated into the classroom for every student over the age of 10, and there is an extensive programme of staff development and support. Applicants must be willing to work in this modern context, with our help (see the "eLife @ Saltus" menu for further information on the technology initiative).