Blanchelande expands due to increasing demand for private education

Monday 14 May 2018

Blanchelande College is experiencing unprecedented demand for places, meaning it is having to open a third year six class sooner than planned.

The smallest in terms of pupil numbers out of Guernsey's three private schools has seen increasing demand in recent years, since its relocation to Les Vauxbelets and more recently since the decision was made to allow boys to attend the school from age four to 16 along with girls.

Despite recent criticism of the Catholic school's stance on sexual education attracting national media coverage, the headteacher has announced there will be three year six classes from September 2018.

Pictured: Daily Star headline from last week's coverage of Blanchelande College's sex education 

Mr O'Brien sent a letter out last week to parents and prospective pupils advising them of the increasing pupil numbers in the junior school leading to the decision to open the third year six class from September 2018 which will mean a three form entry year seven group in 2019.

In total pupil numbers have swelled from 305 to more than 340 in recent months with the school having to invest in additional teaching staff as well as facilities to meet demand.

However, this increasing demand may mean some children whose parents have already registered their interest in attending the school from year seven, commencing in September 2019 may not be able to after all. Priority is given to pupils moving from the junior school up to the senior school.

Pictured: excerpt from the letter sent by Mr O'Brien concerning pupil numbers at Blanchelande College 

Pupil numbers at the Catholic college have increased steadily since changes to the States secondary school system were introduced. The 11+ has been abolished with the final pupils sitting the exam in January 2018. They have been allocated places at one of the three private colleges, the Grammar School or one of the three high schools to start in September 2018. From next year all pupils will be allocated places at a catchment secondary school unless they attend one of the colleges on a fee paid place.

The States grant to the three private colleges is being reduced annually before it is removed entirely in line with the States move towards all ability secondary education.