The St Helena Government (SHG) wishes to provide an update on the ongoing Primary School Reorganisation project, highlighting progress in both infrastructure development and curriculum enhancement. This project is funded by the FCDO through the UK Government.
Infrastructure and Timeline Update
To ensure high standards of safety and facility readiness, the official launch of the dedicated Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2) schools is now scheduled to take place after the 2026/27 academic year. This adjusted timeline allows project teams to navigate complex logistical requirements thoroughly without compromising on the quality of the final learning environments.
Work on the physical infrastructure is progressing steadily. The initial phase for the KS1 school, consisting of comprehensive site strip-out and excavation works, is completed. Please see the recent update issued by the Programme Management Office for a closer look at the developments so far. The completed works now clear the way for the main building works to commence. Further updates on this upcoming phase will be shared in due course.
In the interim, SHG is actively managing the transition at existing temporary school sites. Following the initial transition in January 2026, the KS2 cohort has seen an increase in both staff and student numbers. To comfortably accommodate this growth, a review of the layout at Pilling Primary School is underway to optimise space and resources for the upcoming terms.
Minister for Education, Skills and Employment, Andrew Turner, commented:
“While this is not the news any of us hoped to share, we are actively working through the challenges a project of this scale has presented. We always knew a transformation of this size and complexity would require time, flexibility, and careful adaptation, and we are committed to getting it right. What remains unchanged is the determination of the team at Education, Skills and Employment, who are working extremely hard to ensure this transformation is a success. Throughout this process, our priority has been and always will remain, the best interests of the children of St Helena. Thank you for your partnership and your patience as we build this future together.”
Strategic Educational Developments
Whilst structural works continue, education leaders are capitalising on this period to implement comprehensive foundational improvements across the primary sector. Key initiatives currently progressing include:
- Curriculum and Standards: A full primary curriculum review is underway, supported by an external adviser, alongside a policy review aligned with Council of British International Schools (COBIS) standards.
- School Culture and Leadership: Work is ongoing to design a robust middle leadership structure and establish new school values, vision, and mission statements aligned with international-minded practices.
- Student Support and Inclusion: Systems for inclusion are being strengthened, specifically enhancing support for students with Additional Education Needs (AEN). Additionally, SIMS and CPOMS software are being introduced to elevate communication, oversight, and safeguarding.
- Staff Professional Development: Planning is active for staff Continuous Professional Development (CPD) delivered by UK trainers, alongside safer recruitment and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training for school leadership.
- Logistics and Transitions: Detailed Year 2 and Year 6 transition plans are being finalised, alongside the preparation of new school transportation software to improve route planning, visibility, and communication for parents.
Community Engagement
A series of public drop-in sessions will be announced shortly. These sessions will offer parents, guardians, and community members an opportunity to view progress plans, receive detailed briefings on the building works, and discuss the academic strategies being implemented to strengthen the quality of education on the island.
Primary School Reorganisation: What’s Happening Next
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