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In 2024, the St Helena Government (SHG) commissioned an Education Review to assess how St Helena’s education services can be made sustainable for the future, supporting the island’s economic and workforce development. The review is aimed at enhancing educational attainment and learning outcomes for all residents. The resulting report addresses the key question of standards residents can expect in terms of education.
On Friday, 14 March 2025, SHG released the summative Education Review Report. The report examines the strengths of our education system, including the St Helena Research Institute (SHRI), our post-16 offer and the Public Library. It also identifies areas for improvement within the island’s education system. The importance of the decision to adopt COBIS standards in September 2024, as the education standards framework for St Helena, is threaded throughout the report.
The review has drawn on extensive public consultation: the input of leaders and staff in the Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio (ESE), a wide range of education data, and a number of reports by external experts. The ESE is grateful for the input of parents, staff, the wider community and external experts from Hampshire Local Authority (HLA) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO).
Education is an engine of change. Currently in St Helena, the report explores how education is currently the engine of decline. The report outlines the case for change and the need for a system-wide school improvement. The report is a call to arms to the St Helena Government, the UK Government (via the FCDO) and the island’s community, to prioritise education for our children and young people, who need an adequate education which raises their aspirations enabling them to fulfil their potential and support St Helena’s economic aspirations.
Improving education will be essential to meeting SHG’s overall vision of ‘A sustainable environment that creates opportunity, inspires social and economic progress, ensuring a better quality of life for all’. This report sets out the opportunities and a clear way pathway forward for improvement.
The Education Review Report can be found on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/Education-Review-Report
#StHelena #EducationReview #AltogetherBetterForChildrenAndYoungPeople
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Please be advised that the road closure scheduled for the road going through The Arch leading to the sea front in Jamestown on Wednesday 19 March 2025 has been cancelled.
The cancellation is due to preparations underway for the Careers Fair, scheduled for Thursday 20 March.
We thank the public for their understanding.
The Highways Authority has approved the road going through The Arch leading to the sea front in Jamestown to be closed to all vehicular traffic and pedestrians on Wednesday 19 March from 13:00 to 15:30.
This closure is necessary to continue essential repairs to the arch structure by the Building Works Section. Pedestrian access to the wharf and lower Jamestown will be via the Terrace and Harbour View steps.
Emergency services will have access as needed. The Roads Section apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for their understanding and co-operation.
Please be advised that the road closure scheduled for the road going through The Arch leading to the sea front in Jamestown on Wednesday 19 March 2025 has been cancelled.
The cancellation is due to preparations underway for the Careers Fair, scheduled for Thursday 20 March.
We thank the public for their understanding.
St Helena Emergency Services has announced the rollout of innovative location technology, what3words. Adding what3words to its toolkit will help pinpoint 999 callers’ exact locations, and ensure resources can be dispatched directly to the scene.
When calling the emergency number (999), one of the first questions you’ll be asked is ‘What is the address of the emergency?’ However, pinpointing your exact location on St Helena can be difficult, especially outside of Jamestown. Whilst we don’t use postcodes in the same way as the UK or elsewhere in the world, relying on landmarks or general area names like ‘near Woody Ridge’ or ‘above Thompson’s Hill’ can be vague. Furthermore, many locations are remote, such as sections of the coastal paths, the Peaks National Park, or isolated bays. Describing your location accurately in these areas can be stressful and challenging, potentially delaying vital assistance from the Emergency Services.
what3words provides a simple solution. The system has divided the world into a grid of 3m x 3m squares, and assigned each square a unique combination of three words: a what3words address. Now every front gate, side door, country house entrance and point along an unmarked path has its own what3words address. For example, ///rooms.nettles.windowsill pinpoints a precise spot on Sandy Bay Beach. A what3words gives callers an easy way to communicate the precise location of where help is needed.
what3words is available in over 60 languages to date, and is free to download for both iOS and Android devices, or use via the online map at what3words.com. The system works offline, making it ideal for use in areas with unreliable data connection, such as beaches, coastal areas and campsites.
Whilst not intended as a replacement for the traditional ‘must-pack’ equipment, what3words has proved to be an invaluable addition to the global emergency response toolkit, helping to save both time and resources. As well as a what3words address, call handlers are trained to gather as much information as possible to identify the location of an incident, including road names, landmarks, and more.
Emergency Operations Manager, Michael Gaga-Hale, commented:
“The location of an emergency is vital when responding to those who need us most. Time is critical in medical emergencies such as a cardiac arrest, where every second counts. Without a formal address system in St Helena, locating people quickly can be challenging, especially in high-pressure situations. As our workforce changes, we are less able to rely on responders’ local knowledge, making accurate location information even more important.”
“‘what3words’ provides a simple and precise way to share your exact location, helping us find you sooner. We urge everyone in the community to download the free app and share it with family, friends, and colleagues. You never know when you might need to call for help.”
“We also understand that some people may find it difficult to read the three words displayed in the app. Because the map is divided into 3m squares, you can select a nearby address that is easiest for you to read to the call handler. If needed, take your time and spell the words out letter by letter. The call handlers will support you through the process to get help to you as quickly as possible.”
Chris Sheldrick, Co-Founder and CEO of what3words commented:
“St Helena is home to some of the world’s most unique and remote landscapes, which can present challenges for incident response. We’re incredibly proud our technology is supporting the island’s emergency services, helping to save time, resources and in some cases, lives. By providing a simple way to communicate precise locations, what3words will help enhance the safety of local residents and visitors exploring the island’s stunning scenery.”
A simple guide on how to download and use what3words can be found at the bottom of this press release. Furthermore, St Helena Emergency Services invites the public to attend the Careers Fair on Thursday 20 March 2025, where the Ambulance Services Stand will provide further information on what3words. The team will be available to assist members of the public in identifying their property’s what3words address and demonstrate the application’s functionality. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about this valuable tool.
A guide on how to download and use what3words
#StHelena #EmergencyServices #what3words
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It has become necessary to make a further change to the published term times for the current academic year (2024-25) for primary schools only. This change is to facilitate our primary schools to prepare for the forthcoming on-island training from Hampshire Local Authority and to be informed of the decision taken by the Portfolio Advisory Board in regard to the Primary School Reorganisation. This will result in all three primary schools being closed on Tuesday, 18 March 2025. Our secondary school, Prince Andrew School, will open as normal.
On the same day, 18 March 2025, we will host a parents/guardian’s evening at 19:00 in the Main Hall at Prince Andrew School. The primary purpose of this meeting is to inform parents and guardians of the decision taken by the Portfolio Advisory Board in respect of the Primary School Reorganisation and, just as importantly, next steps.
Schools will provide a transport slip with a letter being sent home, however, the respective school secretaries can also be contacted via:
Pilling Primary – chelsea.lawrence@sainthelena.edu.sh or telephone 22540
St Paul’s Primary – nanette.anthony@sainthelena.edu.sh or telephone 24737
Harford Primary – helena.twyning@sainthelena.edu.sh or telephone 24719
New Horizons have kindly offered to open on Tuesday 18 March for all children aged 5 years and above who would wish to attend.
We look forward to your continued support.
The Highways Authority has granted approval for the closure of Napoleon Street on Tuesday, 18 March, and Wednesday, 19 March 2025, from 09:00 to 15:30. This closure is essential to facilitate slurry works, which will improve the surface quality of the road.
Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the duration of the closure. Roadside pavements will remain accessible, and on-site personnel will be readily available to guide pedestrians safely through the work area.
Side Path Road will remain open for vehicular traffic, specifically cars. Vehicles will be diverted via Nosegay Lane or near the Guide Hall at the brow, adhering to the 2-ton weight restriction in place. Trucks and buses will be required to divert at Constitution Road to access Jamestown. We encourage drivers of larger vehicles to plan their routes accordingly to minimise disruption.
The Road Section extends its sincere thanks to all residents and road users for their continued support and cooperation during these necessary works.
The public are advised that the ENRP Veterinary Clinic which are held at Scotland between 8:30 to 10:00 will be closed on Tuesday, 18 March and Wednesday, 19 March 2025.
Animal owners are advised that in the event of an emergency, please call 24724.
ENRP apologises for any inconvenience that this may cause. The public are thanked in advance for their understanding and cooperation.
SHG
12 March 2025
St Helena celebrated Commonwealth Day 2025 yesterday with assemblies at Prince Andrew School (PAS) and the three island primary schools, as well as a flag raising ceremony held at Plantation House. This year’s theme, ‘Together We Thrive’, highlights the shared values of Commonwealth nations, as articulated in the Commonwealth Charter. Observed annually on the second Monday of March, Commonwealth Day unites member countries in celebration.
To open the ceremony at Plantation House, the Speaker of the House and St Helena Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Branch President, Cyril Gunnell, delivered a welcoming speech. The speech highlighted the importance of shared values, particularly in building a future for and with young people, referencing the Commonwealth Youth Programme and the re-establishment of St Helena’s Youth Parliament. Speaker Gunnell called for continued support for youth initiatives and suggested incorporating national songs into Legislative Council proceedings.
HE Governor Nigel Phillips CBE read the message from Head of the Commonwealth, His Majesty King Charles III. Chief Minister, Hon Julie Thomas MLC, read a message from the Right Honourable Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, and Zac Bargo, Youth Parliament Chair, read the Commonwealth Affirmation.
Shortly after, Speaker Gunnell raised the Commonwealth Flag as part of the ‘Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth’ initiative. This initiative aims to inspire participants to join with others throughout the Commonwealth, a family of 56 member states, which has a combined population of 2.7 billion, with more than 60% aged 29 or under, representing around a third of the world’s Commonwealth’s population.
Speaker Gunnell, at the raising of the flag, commented:
“As we raise the Commonwealth flag today, let us remind ourselves of the core principles that unite us: respect for diversity, commitment to democracy, and dedication to human rights. These ideals serve as a guiding light, encouraging us to embrace our differences while recognising the common threads that connect us all.”
To commemorate the 76th anniversary of the Commonwealth of Nations and to discuss its past accomplishments and ongoing aspirations, guest speakers Mrs Sheena Benjamin of the St Helena National Trust and Mrs Gerarda Hubbard of St Helena’s Active Participation in Enterprise (SHAPE) were invited to speak at the ceremony.
Councillor Gillian Brooks, Chair of the Commonwealth Day Working Group, concluded the ceremony with thanks to HE the Governor, speakers, attendees, Plantation House staff, and the Working Group, marking the end of the Commonwealth Day 2025 event.
Commonwealth Day assemblies were also held at the island primary schools. They were attended by Elected Members of the Legislative Council who read His Majesty the King’s Commonwealth Day message.
Our St Helena Government UK Representative, Mrs Kedell Worboys, had also been invited to attend several engagements to commemorate Commonwealth Day in the UK.
In the morning, Mrs Worboys attended the Commonwealth 76th Anniversary Flag Raising ceremony in Parliament. Additionally, she laid a wreath on behalf of the Government and people of St Helena at a ceremony at the Commonwealth Memorial Gates commemorating Victory over Japan (VJ) Day and the end of the Second World War. In the afternoon, Mrs Worboys, with UK representatives from The Falkland Islands and Tristan da Cunha, attended the Commonwealth Observance at Westminster Abbey.
Photos
HE Governor Phillips reading the message from Head of the Commonwealth, His Majesty King Charles III
Hon Chief Minister Julie Thomas reading the message from the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations
Zac Bargo, Youth Parliament Chair, reading the Commonwealth Affirmation
Speaker Cyril Gunnell raising the flag
Guest speaker, Sheena Benjamin, of the St Helena National Trust
Guest speaker, Gerarda Hubbard, of SHAPE
The Commonwealth Day Working Group
UK representatives Richard Hyslop (Falkland Islands), Kedell Worboys (St Helena) and Chris Carnegy (Tristan da Cunha)
#StHelena #CommonwealthDay
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MIDDLE LANDING STEPS
The Programme Management Office would like to advise the public that the Middle Landing Steps will be closed to the public for a period of 6 weeks, commencing Wednesday, 12 March 2025.
The lower step require further works to be carried out under the defects period of the original contract.
The Middle Landing Steps will be completely closed for the first week whilst the contractor excavates the lower step. Once excavation works are completed the steps will be partially opened. Relevant signage will be put in place.
The Middle Landing Steps will be reopened to the public upon completion of all works.
The public are thanked in advance for their cooperation and understanding during this time.
Note to Editors:
The project was approved for funding under the UK funded Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP) – Micro Project, in partnership with the FCDO.
SHG
11 March 2025
Please be advised of upcoming road closures and works scheduled for Wednesday, 12 March 2025.
Nose Gay Lane Closure
Nose Gay Lane will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 09:00 to 15:00 on Wednesday, 12 March. This closure is required for the Road Section to carry out necessary slurry works, which will improve the road’s surface quality. Whilst this work is ongoing, Connect St Helena will be raising a sewage manhole cover near the Standard to ensure proper infrastructure maintenance.
Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the closure. Designated areas will be established, and on-site personnel will be available to guide pedestrians safely.
Napoleon Street Milling Works
Milling works will begin on Napoleon Street at 13:00 on Wednesday, 12 March. To facilitate the safe and efficient completion of these works, we ask that all drivers refrain from parking on the pavement during this time. This will ensure unobstructed access for the required machinery and personnel.
The Road Section extends its sincere thanks for your continued support and cooperation during these necessary works.