The Education, Skills, and Employment Portfolio (ESE) has wrapped up a series of community engagement meetings to update the public on the St Helena Education Review. These meetings took place on February 10, 24, and 25, 2025. They drew significant community interest and generated important feedback.
The review evaluates education provision from early years to post-16 with goals to future-proof education by supporting economic growth and workforce development on the island and improving student outcomes for all learners.
During the discussions, participants highlighted a need for change within St Helena’s education system. The adoption of the COBIS standards framework in September 2024 was noted as a critical step forward. This framework is seen as a guide for the educational journey now and into the future. However, additional actions were identified as necessary to drive meaningful change:
– Structural reforms within schools
– Comprehensive and ongoing staff training
– A sustained focus on the needs of children and young people across the community
– Increased and sustained recurrent funding
Concerns were voiced that without these measures, there is a risk of continued decline in the education system.
The ESE expressed gratitude for the valuable contributions from parents, guardians, and the public during these sessions. The feedback will be instrumental in shaping final recommendations for the St Helena Education Review.
