Saint Helena Education System and Schooling
Education on the island of Saint Helena is managed by the Education and Employment Directorate (formerly the Saint Helena Education Department). Based in The Canister in Jamestown, this body oversees a system where education is both free and compulsory for children between the ages of five and 16.
The island's academic structure is designed to support students from early childhood through to young adulthood, adapting the English national curriculum to suit local needs and providing a variety of pathways for both academic and vocational achievement.
Key Facts
- Compulsory Age: Education is mandatory from ages 5 to 16.
- Primary Schools: Three main primary schools serve the island: Harford, Pilling, and St Paul's.
- Secondary Education: Provided by St Helena Secondary School for students aged 11 to 18.
- Tertiary Education: There are no tertiary institutions on the island; students apply for scholarships to study abroad.
- Literacy Resources: Home to the Southern Hemisphere's oldest public library, established in 1813.
Primary Education
Primary schooling caters to students aged four to 11. The system has evolved through several mergers to optimize resources and respond to enrollment trends.
St Paul's Primary School
Located in St. Paul's, this institution was formed on August 1, 2000, through a merger that combined first and middle levels. As of 2020, it enrolled 134 students. The school serves a wide geographic area, including Bluehill, Gordons Post, New Ground, Sandy Bay, and Upper Half Tree Hollow. Historically, its reach extended to communities such as Guinea Grass, Hunt's Bank, Thompson's Hill, and Vaughn's.
Harford Primary School
Named after Governor James Harford, this school is located in Longwood. It originally opened as a senior school in 1957 before becoming Harford Middle School in September 1988. In 2008, it merged with Longwood First School. Today, it also serves the areas of Alarm Forest and Levelwood.
Pilling Primary School
Situated in Jamestown within a former garrison, Pilling Primary was established in 1941. It transitioned to a middle school in 1988 and later merged with the neighboring Jamestown First School in May 2005 due to declining enrollment. By 2007, the original Jamestown First building (built in 1959) was decommissioned. As of 2020, the school had 126 students and serves Jamestown, Alarm Forest, Briars, Lower Half Tree Hollow, Rupert's, and Sea View.
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Secondary and Vocational Education
Students aged 11 to 18 attend St Helena Secondary School (formerly known as Prince Andrew School). The curriculum is based on the English national standards and offers a diverse range of qualifications to prepare students for further study or employment.
Academic Qualifications
The school provides several tiers of certification:
- GCSEs: Including ICT, Business Studies, and Design and Technology.
- A/S, A2, and Level 3 Diplomas: Covering Accountancy, Business Studies, English, English Literature, Geography, ICT, Maths, and Psychology.
Vocational and Adult Learning
For those pursuing technical skills, VRQ (Vocational Related Qualifications) are available in Automotive Studies and Building and Construction. Additionally, the Saint Helena Community College (SHCC) provides various professional and vocational programs.
The Education and Employment Directorate further supports the community through:
- Special needs programming.
- Adult education and evening classes.
- Distance learning options.
Community Resources and Literacy
Beyond formal schooling, the island maintains a strong commitment to literacy. The public library, which opened in 1813, holds the distinction of being the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere. To ensure accessibility for those in rural areas, a mobile library service operates on a weekly basis.
| Institution | Level/Type | Age Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Paul's Primary | Primary | 4–11 | Merged first and middle levels in 2000 |
| Harford Primary | Primary | 4–11 | Merged with Longwood First School in 2008 |
| Pilling Primary | Primary | 4–11 | Located in a former garrison in Jamestown |
| St Helena Secondary | Secondary | 11–18 | Offers GCSE, A-Levels, and Level 3 Diplomas |
| SHCC | Vocational | Adult/Professional | Professional education programs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is education free on Saint Helena?
Yes, education is free and compulsory for all children between the ages of five and 16.
What happens after secondary school since there is no university on the island?
Because Saint Helena has no tertiary education institutions, scholarships are offered to students to enable them to pursue higher education abroad.
Which curriculum does Saint Helena follow?
The island uses the English national curriculum, which is adapted for local use.
What vocational qualifications are available?
Students can earn VRQ qualifications in fields such as Automotive Studies and Building and Construction, and access professional programs via the Saint Helena Community College.
How does the island support rural literacy?
In addition to the historic public library in Jamestown, the island operates a mobile library service that visits rural areas weekly.