From the UK to Saint Helena: A 24-Hour Journey for Delta Staff!
From September 2026, Delta Academies Trust will offer staff a remarkable international opportunity through a new partnership with Saint Helena, one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world.
Located in the South Atlantic Ocean, around 1,200 miles from the west coast of Africa and 2,500 miles from South America, Saint Helena is a 10-by-5-mile tropical island with a population of approximately 4,500. Rich in history, it is perhaps best known as the place of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile. Today, the island remains a British Overseas Territory with strong ties to the UK, including its education system.
However, its remote location presents ongoing challenges, particularly in recruitment and access to high-quality professional development.
A Partnership with Purpose
In response, Delta Academies Trust has established a partnership with Saint Helena Secondary School to support educational development and create new opportunities for both students and staff.
Following a competitive internal selection process, three Delta teachers specialising in English, science and mathematics will undertake a fully supported one-year secondment at the school:
Briony Purdy (Garforth Academy) – Advisory Teacher of English
“From Yorkshire to the South Atlantic, this is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with teachers and students and share best practice in English and literacy. My family and I are immensely excited for the adventure ahead.”
Ryan Moody (Rossington All Saints Academy) – Advisory Teacher of Science
“I’m really excited to be taking on this role and working closely with staff and students across the island. A big thank you to Delta for this opportunity – I can’t wait to get started.”
Luke Maguire (Don Valley Academy) – Advisory Teacher of Science
“I’m thrilled to have been selected and can’t wait to begin teaching on Saint Helena. I’m looking forward to collaborating with colleagues and supporting the continued development of Science across the school.”
Chris McCall, Executive Principal at Delta Academies Trust, said:
“This partnership allows us to support children to thrive, which is our core purpose, but it goes further. It offers our staff a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow as leaders, while continuing to deliver meaningful impact beyond the UK.”
Phil Toal, Headteacher at Saint Helena Secondary School, said:
“Delta’s commitment is making a tangible difference to the education of young people on Saint Helena. This partnership reflects a shared belief that geography should never limit opportunity.”
Keep an eye out for our new web page following our staff’s journeys in Saint Helena!
