Schools on target for September

PUPILS will start at the new St Sampson's High and Le Murier schools in September, more than two terms ahead of schedule. Education has brought forward the start date from Easter 2009 after talks with

contractor R. G. Falla and the project board.

It is confident all buildings and facilities will be ready and equipped in time for the new school year.

In a statement today, schools minister Martin Ozanne said the department and head teachers would work towards a smooth changeover for staff and pupils and ensure all necessary planning is completed.

Explaining the U-turn, he said that the earlier decision to put the move on hold - supported by Treasury - followed a delay to building work starting at the Les Nicolles site until July 2006, bumping the opening date back to Easter 2009.

'We have waited until December to make the decision to go back to our original plan so we can be absolutely sure that the buildings will be ready in time.' he said.

'R. G. Falla has assured us that they will be.'

Pupils, parents and staff were said to be delighted yesterday at the news, which was announced to the media this morning.

It means that the new high school's intake of current Year 6 pupils will not have to spend a waiting period at St Peter Port School as first thought.

'I think it's a really positive step for our pupils and staff to be able to start the new school year in our new buildings,' said St Sampson's High head teacher Hazel Tetlaw. 'Staff and existing pupils will have plenty of opportunity to get to know our fantastic new facilities before the move.

'We will make sure that all the incoming Year 7 pupils are given the chance to

familiarise themselves with the new buildings.'

Le Murier special-needs secondary head teacher Alan Brown said pupils who had visited the site could not wait to move in and reaction from teachers had been extremely positive.

'The staff of both schools have also been working closely together to prepare for the move and plan how Le Murier and St Sampson's High School will share the facilities.'

Education is also working closely with Environment to finalise traffic and access arrangements to the site, as well as reviewing school bus services.

* St Peter Port School will continue to operate from next September to allow Year 9 and 11 pupils to complete their two-year courses. Ken Wheeler remains as head until it closes its doors in July 2009, when he will move to La Mare de Carteret.

*The building, near the Princess Royal Centre for the Performing Arts, will then be used by the College of Further Education. The long-term aim is, States funding permitting, that the site will be redeveloped for college use.

* Philip White will stay as head at La Mare de Carteret until July 2009, with no change at Les Beaucamps.