Saint Martin grapples with the exodus of young people
The Territorial Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (ITSEE) in Saint Martin has examined the island’s education system. Declining student numbers, school drop-out rates and a mass exodus to mainland France: this study, conducted in close collaboration with the French Ministry of Education, highlights weaknesses within the territory.
At the start of the 2025–2026 academic year, nearly 6,800 pupils were enrolled in schools in the region. This figure has been falling steadily since 2019, with a drop of more than 500 pupils over six years. This decline, already evident in primary education, points to a lasting reduction in the number of young people attending local schools.
However, the sharpest drop occurs during adolescence. From the age of 15, school attendance falls more sharply than in Guadeloupe or at national level. After the baccalaureate, only 23% of 18-24-year-olds are still in education. This figure reflects early leavers from the education system and limited continuation of studies. Parcoursup illustrates this phenomenon. Two out of three students receive an offer via the post-baccalaureate guidance platform, but only one in two accepts it. Furthermore, the courses most frequently chosen by Saint-Martinian baccalaureate holders are BTS diplomas, university bachelor’s degrees and, to a lesser extent, certain selective courses.
A youth forced into mobility
A year after completing their baccalaureate, more than half of students are living in mainland France. Three years later, nearly one in two are still there. This mobility has become an almost obligatory step for studying or working. However, this is not a case of exile. Attachment to the territory remains strong. Indeed, over 70% of young people surveyed say they want to return to Saint-Martin. But they face a major problem: finding skilled employment. The transition from education to employment is therefore precarious. Three years after leaving school, only 20% of young people are in employment or on a work-study scheme. The rest juggle between further study, unemployment and precarious situations. There are,
however, some avenues to explore. Apprenticeships are on the rise, particularly through the CFA Mangrove, which focuses on tourism-related trades. Despite dropout rates that remain high, this scheme demonstrates the potential of local solutions, provided they are further strengthened. In conclusion, Saint Martin is currently struggling to retain its young people. Between forced departures and uncertain returns, it is the territory’s ability to transform these life paths into local wealth that is at stake.
