Saint Lucia: education sector analysis: an analysis of the status and key challenges in education

Saint Lucia has committed to national, regional and international goals that seek to ensure equitable and universal access to quality education for all. These goals are outlined in the country’s national sector policies and development plans, in regional and sub-regional strategies, and in international agreements and conventions. The Department of Education is responsible for developing and implementing plans that are aligned with such obligations and policy priorities and has done so consistently. The term of the most recent plan, the Education Sector Development Plan 2015–2020, has ended and the Department now seeks guidance to inform the development of a new education sector plan. Developing a new sector plan requires a thorough analysis of the status of the education system in relation to the country’s commitments, as well as the key challenges and probable causes for the gaps between what currently exists and the established goals. This Education Sector Analysis (ESA) attempts to provide such information. Findings of the analysis reveal that Saint Lucia has high participation rates and low dropout rates at the primary and secondary levels of schooling, that the majority of school staff at the basic education levels are trained, and that there is a system of social support for students, particularly at the primary level. These developments are consistent with policy priorities for access, equity and quality at the primary and secondary levels of education. Nonetheless, as with most countries in the region, several key challenges remain that represent significant gaps between the current and desired state of the education system.