Following this analysis, the preferred options are:

• build a new two-form entry school at Gas Place, including a 30-place nursery and an Additional Resource Centre (ARC) for Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs (SEMH) for up to 24 children;

• develop Plat Douet into a three-form entry school; and

• replace Rouge Bouillon at a new site as a three-form entry school, to be identified in the area between Rouge Bouillon roundabout and Castle Quay.

Pictured: Rouge Bouillon School will be replaced at a new site with a new school somewhere in the area between Rouge Bouillon roundabout and Castle Quay.

The CYPES Department has formed a list of requirements for the construction of new town primary schools, which have been detailed in the report.

It explains that school sites must be large enough not only to accommodate high quality teaching spaces, but also the co-location of services, and sufficient outside space for children to play.

Deputy Gardiner said: “St. Helier is home to a third of our population, and some of the most vulnerable children in our Island – it is absolutely vital that children in town have access to modern, high-quality facilities, and outdoors play areas.

“Having kept up momentum on the publication of this report, I will be recommending to the Council of Ministers that a new school needs to be built centrally at Gas Place next to Millennium Park. My aim is for the new central school to be complete in four years time – in 2026."

Pictured: Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Inna Gardiner.

She continued: “I am aware of the significant interest and concerns from Islanders in finding a suitable replacement for Rouge Bouillon School – and we are in active engagement with various stakeholders to look into a suitable new site between Rouge Bouillon roundabout and Castle Quay. I intend for the new school to be complete in 2027-28, and will provide a decision in the new year.

“We must also be mindful of the need to ensure the town population have access to green community spaces, whether this be through the creation of new green pockets or through the access to new school facilities beyond the school day.

“Alongside this, we will need to develop Plat Douet School to maximise its potential and meet the growing need for school places. We need long-term solutions to an ageing school estate in town, and we must continue progressing this work at pace to ensure our children are able to learn, grow and thrive at their school.”

Only in Jersey could we spend 18 months on a "site review" for our schools, and part of the conclusion is that they haven't identified a site for one of the schools ????‍♂️ https://t.co/z4JVI7jnYL

— Deputy Sam Mézec (@SamMezecJsy) October 20, 2022

However, Chief Scrutineer and Reform Jersey Leader, Deputy Sam Mézec of St. Helier South criticised the report via Twitter with a tweet querying why the conclusion did not identify a specific site for one of the schools after 18 months of work.