Education decision "an utter shambles"

Wednesday 04 March 2020

The decision to "pause and review" the move to a one-school model will "wreck" our secondary school system, according to Deputies opposed to the requete.

After four days of gruelling debate, the States supported the requete by 18 votes to 17.

The debate, which is covered in more detail here, left some Deputies with a bitter taste in the mouth, given two previous States resolutions this term in support of the one school model.

Deputy Gavin St Pier tweeted: "Hope new Assembly comprises more individuals who can demonstrably work together to achieve outcomes, even when they disagree on individual policies - focus on destination not the journey - and a willingness not to constantly revisit policy decisions if in the minority."

At least the "90% of teachers" whose support, through their unions, gave the requerants the credibility they sorely lacked will be celebrating tonight amongst the wreckage of our secondary education policy.

— Shane Langlois (@ShaneLanglois) March 3, 2020

Pictured: Deputy Shane Langlois said the requerants themselves lacked credibility.

In his closing speech yesterday afternoon, Deputy Barry Brehaut warned States members to think of the letter that would have to be sent to parents of children affected by the requete.

Reacting to the result last night, he tweeted: "Education now on hold for five years, a delay costing up to £10m, children lost in the transition. What an utter, utter shambles. Some feel they now have a solid electoral platform, do we ever learn!"

Deputy Heidi Soulsby said the decision was "so depressing".

"Consensus is dead in this States which has resulted in today’s decision. Started from day one and just got worse. Result is years of uncertainty and millions of pounds more expenditure that could be better spent elsewhere."

That’s bollox Neil. It’s a poison chalice and I don’t believe anyone can take on what the current ESC has done. It’s ruined. Matt and his team have been brilliant and sadly may end up on their swords. I hope they have the confidence to carry on and not resign.

— Chad Murray (@capt_murray) March 3, 2020

Pictured: The States' decision was still being debated on social media last night.

Speaking at the end of debate, requerant Deputy Carl Meerveld said the States had reached the right outcome without the States fully appreciating why the pause and review was needed. 

"It was a gratifying decision following a gruelling four-day debate, however the debate didn’t properly address any of the substantial justifications for a pause and review."

Fellow requerant Deputy Rob Prow commented on what comes next, saying Education had failed to properly consult the professionals. 

"It was all about lack of stakeholder engagement and that is what now needs to happen in very short order."

Meanwhile, the Education Committee is expected to make a public statement on its future today.