Education Review
March 2001
The Education Council have launched their proposals for a complete overhaul of the Guernsey Education system,
including extending the leaving age from 15 to 16..
A key element is the abolition of the 11-plus selection system which was abolished many years ago in the UK. The
local Education Council say that mistakes have been learnt in the UK in respect of the Comprehensive system and
that Guernsey will not follow that model. Instead they recommend a Tertiary College for all children aged 16 and
over who wish to continue their education to 'A' levels. Two new High Schools will be built and the existing
Grammar School will be the third, but without its current sixth formers. The budget required is more than
£70million.
Recognising the split feelings of the population, following extensive consultation, the Council have given the
States an option of keeping the 11-plus system, but with a Tertiary College for sixth formers. Grammar Headmaster
Mr Balls, described this as this option as unworkable and said that the thought of a Grammar School without a sixth
form would destroy the heart of the school.
May 2001 11-Plus selection to be retained
The States voted at the resumed debate on 10 May 2001 to retain the 11-plus selection system. The Education
Council's plans to revolutionise education in Guernsey were heavily defeated by an amendment from Deputy Mike
Torode. They voted by 30 to 18 to retain the Grammar School sixth form, develop the College of Further Education
and to build three new High Schools at a total cost of around £50m. The leaving age will be increased to 16 by
2008/9.
Islanders had the chance to vote on the matter in an online Poll organised by Islandlife. 87% voted to
retain the current system but to invest in new High Schools. Click here to see those
results.
|