Guernsey schools: it's decision time

Wednesday 17 January 2018

After years of public debate, a decision could finally be made this week on the future of secondary education in Guernsey.

Nearly two years after the States voted to end selection at age 11 from this year onwards, this week States members will debate what system will replace it.

The official proposals from the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture include three schools for 11-16 year olds, along with amended proposals for post 16 education. They can be read here.

Those proposals have faced criticism, most vocally over the plans for post 16 education so a number of amendments have been lodged, including from the ESC President, Deputy Paul Le Pelley and the former ESC Vice President, Deputy Carl Meerveld who had originally worked on the three-school model together.

The strongest challenge is likely to come from the so-called 'gang of four' deputies who have lodged an amendment which is now seen as the 'alternative proposals' including a two school, 11-18 model.

Those proposals can be read here. 

Deputy Matt Fallaize, who is one of the 'gang of four' told Express ahead of the debate that he thinks it'll be another close vote: "I think it is quite finely-balanced and the vote on our amendment could be very close".   

Deputy Fallaize added: "I have no comment to make on what criteria colleagues will use to decide how best to vote.  I know that in recent weeks we have spoken to many deputies who have studied the arguments carefully and who are trying to reach the best conclusion for the benefit of students now and in the future.

The ESC President agreed the vote is likely to be very close. Deputy Paul Le Pelley told Express he hopes States members choose which way to vote based on the right reasons: "I hope that the debate is polite and friendly and that the better option for Guernsey's current and future young people wins the day.

"The topic is an emotive one but I hope and trust that everyone will act in a reasonable and sensible manner.  I also hope that the voting at the end of the debate will be based on the arguments presented and not on the personalities of those presenting them.

"From positions already declared, I think the result will be close.  I hope that members will see that the CfESC's proposals have been well researched, ready to be implemented and will be the better option given the Guernsey context".

Both sets of proposals have received support and criticism in large doses from the public.

The two-school model has had some support from the teaching community, with Express told that one island head teacher has been hosting meetings with deputies to try and convince them to vote for the alternative proposals.

In emails from some of those deputies, Express was told the discussions were "cordial" and were intended to help them make "an informed decision".

The debate is due to start at 09:30 and is likely to take until the end of the week, with other States business likely to be deferred as a result.