Les Varendes High School is going to get a make over this summer ahead of the students from La Mare de Carteret moving in.
The States has confirmed “extensive summer improvement works” will take place once term ends in July.
With funding now released by Policy & Resources, the upgrades will get the Les Varendes site ready to educate more pupils while also improving safety and teaching spaces.
Planned works include installing new windows and doors, adding in some additional lockers, creating multi-functional areas, capping the defunct swimming pool, and enhancing IT and inclusion facilities.
The States says that despite initial concerns about worker availability, all planned upgrades are on track and within budget, ensuring the school will be ready for the merged 11-16 student body from September.
Work to get for current Sixth Form Centre on site ready to house other services like the Youth Commission, the Sexual Health and Relationships Education team, and the Guernsey Music Service will also get started at the end of July.
“The staff at Les Varendes and La Mare have been working incredibly hard to support a smooth transition in September, including working with students and parents to provide the information and pastoral support necessary for such a big transition,” said Verona Tomlin, Les Varendes High School Principal.
“Over the past two years we have put a real focus on being led by the students studying both at La Mare and at Les Varendes. Now, I am looking forwarding to welcoming them all together into one school, which with the upcoming programme of works will be better matched to our requirements and increased numbers so we can continue to strive for excellence.”
Nick Hynes, Guernsey’s Director of Education added that he’s pleased to know the work will definitely be happening this summer.
“I am very pleased to be able to confirm that we can now go ahead with all of the planned works to Les Varendes High School, most of which will be taking place over the summer holidays.
“Initially it appeared we would only be able to carry out some of the works because of a limited number of suppliers, but hard work by officers has now secured the full programme, which will ensure the school is in the best place possible for September.
“We want to ensure that the upgraded site offers a high-quality, inclusive environment that supports both educational and wider community needs, and I am looking forward to seeing the school continue to grow and improve under Mrs Tomlin’s leadership.”
Work is also going to take place at the La Mare de Carteret High School site when it closes this summer as it’s readied for the switch from a high school to sixth form centre.