The Education Skills and Employment Portfolio (ESE) is undertaking a review of post-16 education and training provision on St Helena. The review will examine how effectively current arrangements support young people and whether there are opportunities to strengthen future pathways. It will also explore how the post-16 system can better help students transition into further education, training and employment, ensuring that future provision aligns with the needs and aspirations of students, employers and the wider community.
After compulsory schooling, young people can follow a range of academic, vocational, blended and supported pathways. These education, training and employment opportunities can include further qualifications, practical training, work experience and preparation for employment or further education.
The review will consider a range of areas, including:
- the experiences, aspirations and needs of young people currently engaged in post-16 education and training;
- the range of academic and vocational pathways available;
- progression to further and higher education, training and employment;
- work experience and work placement opportunities;
- careers information, advice and guidance;
- the support available to students;
- how organisations work together to deliver post-16 education and training;
- opportunities to strengthen links between education, training and employers; and
- how post-16 education and training can help young people develop the skills needed for St Helena’s current and future workforce.
Minister for Education, Skills and Employment, Andrew Turner, said:
“Education does not end at 16. It is the foundation upon which careers are built, businesses grow and communities thrive. Whether a learner’s goal is university, technical training, skilled employment or entrepreneurship, our ambition is to provide pathways that are accessible, relevant and of the highest possible quality.
Through this review, we want to ensure that our post-16 offer reflects the aspirations of our young people and the future needs of St Helena. This is an important opportunity to help shape a post-16 education system that supports both individual success and the long-term prosperity of our island.”
The review is intended to provide an evidence base for future decision-making. It does not mean that changes to current post-16 provision have already been decided.
Students currently undertaking Sixth Form programmes should continue with their existing arrangements unless they are advised otherwise.
The review will also consider how academic provision, vocational training, apprenticeships and other post-16 opportunities can work together to provide young people with appropriate future pathways based on their individual interests, abilities and aspirations.
Further updates will be provided as the review progresses. Once the findings have been considered through the appropriate Government processes, they will help inform future decisions about education, training and employment opportunities for young people on St Helena.
Students, parents and carers, education and training providers, employers and other relevant stakeholders will be invited to share their experiences and perspectives and will be provided with further information about how they can contribute to the review.
St Helena Government is committed to ensuring that young people have access to post-16 opportunities that support their ambitions while helping to develop the skills and talent needed for St Helena’s future.
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