Two school model approved, but debate continues

Friday 19 January 2018

The States of Guernsey have voted in favour of the so-called "alternative model of secondary education".

26 deputies voted for the amendment to have two secondary schools for 11-18 year olds, instead of three schools for 11-16 year olds, with 13 deputies voting against the proposals.

Deputy Matt Fallaize who has been described as the leader of the so-called 'gang of four' which came up with the alternative proposals, won the majority of votes after telling the States it was overwhelmingly the best option in terms of educational outcomes for all. 

The debate on the two or three school model has taken almost two days but the actual debate on the future model of secondary education is far from over.

Following this vote an amendment was lodged to try and revisit the three school model - using the Les Beaucamp, St Sampson and La Mare de Carteret high schools, with Les Varendes (the current Grammar School and Sixth Form Centre) utilised for post 16 education. That was defeated by 28 votes to 13. 

Deputies still have to agree proposals for post 16 education provision and another amendment from deputies Peter Ferbrache and Jan Kuttelwascher seeks to reinstate the 11+ temporarily while the new model of secondary education is introduced: 

The debate is due to continue this afternoon (Friday 19 January), with a vote expected late afternoon at the earliest on the overall amended proposals.  

The States of Guernsey will have to debate which two sites are used for 11-18 schools at a future date, with early indications suggesting the new model of secondary education won't be in place until after the 2020 election. 

Update: The latest can be found here.