With a generous benefactor wanting to give Ladies and Elizabeth College millions of pounds a year, the two schools may be allowed to move away from States’ control into a fully independent set up.
They are currently run as private schools but both lease land from the States, with the Ladies College also being controlled by the States through its governance board.
If deputies agree, a new charitable structure will be set up to run the Ladies College, moving it away from any States administration.
The school would also buy the land it is on at Les Gravees, while Elizabeth College would buy the land it leases from the States for its classrooms on Upland Road and the Junior School on Queen’s Road.
Policy and Resources and Education, Sport, and Culture have agreed to this happening so that the two schools can accept a joint £2.2million gift from an anonymous philanthropist.
They currently receive that amount of money from the States through a grant each year – which would cease if deputies agree to the changes proposed to allow the schools to become fully independent.
This could all move quickly, with the States being asked to vote on the changes in the coming months so that the financial ties can be cut at the end of the current school year.
In a joint statement, John Roche; Chair of Board of Elizabeth College and Caroline Chan; Chair of the Board of Ladies’ College, welcomed the proposals.
“We are very grateful for the work that has gone into drafting this Policy Letter.
“Officers, the Policy & Resources Committee and the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture have worked immensely hard to deliver it on a timeline that we hope will allow us to move forward for the benefit of all.”
Deputy Paul Montague, the President of the Education, Sport & Culture Committee (pictured left), said if the changes go ahead, both of Ladies and Elizabeth Colleges would still be asked to provide statistical data on pupil numbers and categories, attainment and capacity.
They’ll also have to meet educational and safeguarding standards as set out in the Independent Schools Inspectorate Framework, or other comparable inspection framework.
“Investing in education is one of the most important things any community can do,” he said.
“It shapes the opportunities our young people have, the skills our economy relies on, and the kind of island Guernsey will be in the decades to come.
“Importantly, independence does not mean working apart. The Policy Letter notes the intention of all schools in Guernsey, States-run and independent alike, to continue to work together to develop opportunities and experiences that improve outcomes for every pupil.”
Deputy Montague also confirmed there would be no change to the current set up for Blanchelande College – which is the third private school in Guernsey.
Blanchelande would continue to receive a grant from the States which is currently slightly less than that given to Ladies and Elizabeth College.
That grant will remain on the current terms, with the same notice period and the same maximum value.
