Politicians on the senior committee are split on whether to continue public funding of the colleges.
In a sign of what is to come this week in the debate on Education’s plans to scrap financial support for Elizabeth, Ladies’ and Blanchelande College, Policy & Resources said it was recognised that the policy letter will attract a range of strongly held views.
“Indeed the Committee itself has not reached a collective position and will speak as individuals during debate,” said President Lyndon Trott in a letter of comment published on the eve of the States meeting where the proposals will be discussed.
There are five amendments being proposed to ESC’s plans, four of them designed to keep some level of funding in place.
P&R’s vice-president Heidi Soulsby is on The Ladies’ College Board of Governors so did not take part in the discussion when the committee came to its position.
Deputies John Gollop, Jonathan Le Tocq and Bob Murray are the other members.
“The majority of the non-conflicted members of the Committee believe that the importance of the Colleges to industry has been well demonstrated by the statements issued over recent days by the Institute of Directors and the Guernsey International Business Association,” said P&R’s letter of comment.
“Both groups have focused heavily on the wider economic benefits of a strong independent education sector in attracting and retaining businesses and families, drawing comparisons to our competitors including Jersey.
“They have additionally highlighted the important role of parental choice. Similar points are made by the Colleges in their comprehensive letter of representation.
“These views are shared by the majority of the non-conflicted members of the Committee.”
P&R was critical of the limited data presented by Education on the wider economic value and contribution of the colleges.
“The Assembly will need to carefully consider, given the representations that have been made, the weight which should be attached to these wider points, particularly given the demographic challenges that the Bailiwick faces.”
ESC and the Colleges hold conflicting views on the impact of ending States-support.
“Should the Colleges be correct that a reduction in States’ funding would result in increased fees and a potential reduction in their student numbers, concerns have been raised regarding the potential destabilising effect on the sector.
“The three Colleges individually provide specific education offerings, which collectively complement the States’ schools, and the Committee would be concerned if the viability of one, or more, of the Colleges was detrimentally affected.
“The Committee is unclear as to whether this potential, and impact, has been fully modelled and understood.”