Barbados has several well-regarded private schools used by expat families, including The Codrington School (International Baccalaureate, in St John), Lockerbie College (Cambridge International, in St Michael) and St Winifred’s School (in St Michael), plus a number of smaller independent primary schools on the West and South Coasts. Fees are generally much lower than private schools in the UK or North America. Choose the school first, then the house, because the morning drive matters.
Key points
- The school year runs from September to July, in three terms.
- Most international families choose private schools. Public schools are free, but places depend on residency status.
- The main curricula are the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International (IGCSE and A Level) and the Caribbean system (CXC).
- Annual private-school fees are typically in the range of about US$8,000 to US$20,000, depending on the school and age. Confirm current fees with each school.
- Traffic around Bridgetown at school times is real. A 20-minute drive at noon can be 45 minutes at 7.30am.
Schools families most often ask about
- The Codrington School, St John. IB school for ages about 3 to 18, on the east side of the island. Popular with families wanting an IB pathway to universities abroad. From the West Coast, allow 45 minutes to an hour each way.
- Lockerbie College, St Michael. Cambridge International curriculum for older children and teens.
- St Winifred’s School, St Michael. A long-established co-educational private school on the outskirts of Bridgetown.
- West Coast and South Coast independent primaries. Several smaller private primary schools serve families living in St James, St Peter and Christ Church. Ask us for the current list in the area you’re considering.
Matching school and home
- IB at Codrington: look at St Philip, St John, St George or the quieter parts of Christ Church to keep the drive short. Larimar in Belair Pines is an example of a family home on that side of the island.
- Schools near Bridgetown: Christ Church, central St Michael and southern St James all work well.
- West Coast lifestyle: St James gives you the beaches and restaurants, with a longer drive to some secondary schools. Gated communities such as Royal Westmoreland and Apes Hill are popular with families for the space and security.
Residency and school places
Buying property doesn’t give you the right to live in Barbados. Families who plan to stay longer than a holiday usually apply for a residence route, such as the Special Entry and Reside Permit, or the Welcome Stamp for remote workers. Ask each school what immigration documents it needs before confirming a place.
What to ask a school
- Current fees, registration fees and any building levy
- Class sizes and waiting lists for your child’s year group
- Which exams and university destinations recent leavers have
- Transport options, and when the school day starts and ends
- Support for children joining mid-year from the UK or North American systems
Related guides
- The best areas in Barbados for luxury buyers
- Buying property in Barbados as an American
- Buying property in Barbados from the UK
Mike has lived in Barbados for 10 years and spent more than 25 years in international sales, including as Head of Sales at The Crane Resort and Royal Westmoreland. He acts only for buyers, and you pay no fee because the seller pays the agent’s commission.
Last reviewed November 2026
WhatsApp MikeThis is general information, not legal or tax advice. Confirm the details with your Barbados attorney and your tax adviser at home.