The Bluewater District School Board. (supplied photo)
The Bluewater District School Board is reporting continued growth in enrolment.
According to preliminary numbers supplied by the board, there was another slight increase in the number of students attending Bluewater District School Board schools at the start of the 2025-26 academic year. Enrolment increased by about 1.3 per cent.
The Bluewater District School Board now has over 18,900 students across its 41 elementary and nine secondary schools, an increase of more than 230 students from last fall.
“This year’s enrolment increase is great news for our board and the communities we serve,” says Bluewater Director of Education AJ Keene. “Families are entrusting their children with Bluewater due to the quality of education we provide. As our numbers climb, we are also investing in the future through new school builds, infrastructure upgrades, program enhancements, and a continued focus on improving academic outcomes for every student.”
The 1.3 per cent annual increase in enrolment continues a broader trend for the Bluewater District School Board, which has experienced steady student growth over the past five years. Total enrolment has increased by 14 per cent since 2020-21, when the board had around 16,500 students.
“It reflects a positive trend in the region as more families relocate to call Bruce and Grey counties their home while choosing Bluewater schools,” a release from the school board explains.
The school board says it continues to plan for the future as enrolment trends upwards. Currently, the board is working towards building new schools in Port Elgin and Dundalk to accommodate growth. A replacement build is planned as well, for Kincardine District Senior School.
“Last March also saw the opening of the new state-of-the-art replacement for Beavercrest Community School serving a growing student population in the Markdale area,” the board says in a statement.
School boards are required to submit enrolment numbers twice each year. Enrolment reporting ensures provincial funding is allocated to each school board based on its number of students.