Future of Forest and La Houguette schools to be reviewed

EITHER Forest Primary or La Houguette could face closure within the next five to 10 years, Education has confirmed.

As it was revealed St Andrew's Primary and St Sampson's Infants may face closure within the next two years, Education said it also intends to bring forward a review of capacity in the area served by La Houguette Primary or Forest Primary.

That, the department said, would happen within the next five to 10 years.

With primary school numbers in the island expected to peak in 2019/2020, based on current population predictions, the department said it might be possible to lose another primary year group by 2030.

Although Forest – rebuilt in 1999 – is currently a one-form entry school (which is why the others were targeted for closure), the department said shutting the Forest now would be 'too big a risk' because it has the potential to be a two-form entry.

A special report on all the implications of Education's school closure plan is in today's Guernsey Press