Former head teacher to advise ESC on new secondary system

Tuesday 06 March 2018

Andrew Warren, who used to be head teacher at Forest and La Houguette primary schools and Blanchelande College, is joining the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture as a non-voting member.

That means Mr Warren, who has been described by ESC as "a well-known and respected educationalist" will support the Committee as it works to introduce the Bailiwick's new structure of secondary and post-16 education, which was agreed by the States earlier in 2018.

Mr Warren's appointment follows that of Professor Richard Conder, who is a former States Member and was Chief Executive of the GTA University Centre as well as having worked in the higher education sector in the UK. Professor Conder was confirmed as having joined the Committee as a non-voting member last month.

Pictured: The political members of ESC

Deputy Matt Fallaize, the President of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, said he is pleased with both appointments and he thinks the pair's experience will aid the Committee as it pushes through with the sometimes-divisive plans for a new structure of secondary and post-16 education:

"I am delighted that Andrew has agreed to serve as a non-voting member of the Committee. Andrew has vast experience of education.  In Guernsey he was a teacher and head teacher in the primary sector and most recently led one of the grant-maintained colleges.  In England he taught in secondary schools with sixth forms; schools around the size our new secondary schools will be. In addition to his success as a school leader, Andrew also spent a little over 18 months as an Assistant Director at the Education Office.  He is involved with the arts, including music, and is also Operations Director of a charity which supports those living with autism. 

"Likewise, the Committee will benefit greatly from the expertise and experience that Richard brings to the table. Richard has exceptional knowledge and experience of higher and further education, and is the current Chair of Bournemouth University. He also understands local politics, especially in relation to education, having previously been a deputy and a member of the Education Committee."

Mr Warren said he is pleased to be joining the Committee at such an important time:

"Following the States’ decision in January, I view the next couple of years as probably being the most significant for education in all my time working within the Guernsey system. The agenda set out in the Alternative Model is huge - not just the secondary schools, but devolved management and the revision of Education Law.

"I hope that my wide ranging experience within education will prove of benefit to the Committee as they work their way through this agenda. Most crucially, I want to see minimal disruption to those pupils already within our schools as the changes work through and Guernsey end up with an education system that delivers maximum benefit to its pupils and the Bailiwick as a whole."

Mr Conder also said he is delighted to be involved saying the ESC Committee is embarking "on the significant challenge of progressing plans for the new model of secondary and post-16 education.

"Having joined the Committee earlier this month, I can already see how strong its members are as a team and the level of determination they have to see these changes successfully implemented."

Pictured: Richard Conder, image from the Bournemouth University website

Deputy Fallaize thanked both saying they are the best individuals to assist the ESC Committee in its work remodelling secondary and post-16 education:

"I cannot think of two people better placed than Richard and Andrew to serve as members of the new Committee.  They are well-respected educationalists who have a thorough understanding of the local context. 

"I thank them both for giving up their time to work with the Committee."

Pictured top: Andrew Warren