The Education, Skills and Employment (ESE) Portfolio is conducting a comprehensive review of St Helena’s primary education system. This initiative aims to identify the most effective and sustainable path forward, considering current challenges and future needs.
The review is driven by a declining primary school-age population, which stood at 302 in June 2024 compared to 391 in the 2017 census. Additionally, staff shortages within the ESE further complicate these challenges.
Several options are under consideration, including maintaining the existing school structure, consolidating into a single school, or creating a two-school system. The primary goal is to "future-proof" St Helena’s education system by enhancing educational attainment and learning outcomes for all students, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. The review will also focus on curriculum sustainability, resilience, teaching standards, and accommodating future growth.
Public consultations will be held to gather input from residents. "We understand the importance of a strong education system for our children and the island’s future," stated an ESE representative. These contributions will be considered in developing recommendations.
A working group has been established to analyze various options and provide this analysis to stakeholders. Their recommendations regarding primary education provision for September 2025 will be presented to Executive Council later this year.
The aim is to ensure a solution that meets educational needs, promotes stability, allows efficient resource utilization, and accommodates potential growth in future years. This includes considerations related to St Helena’s Immigration Policy and initiatives aimed at retaining existing staff and attracting new residents.
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