‘Main focus is on giving our children the best’

Committee president Matt Fallaize was speaking after it published proposals for St Sampson’s and Les Beaucamps to be used for the two new 11-18 colleges.

‘While buildings are important, clearly education is about much more than buildings,’ said Deputy Fallaize.

‘Throughout this period of change the committee will continue to work with educationalists and other colleagues in schools to ensure that the main focus remains on providing the best possible opportunities for the students of today and tomorrow.

‘We are determined to capture the very best of our existing schools in their two successor colleges.’

From September 2021, all students entering Year 7 – current Year 4 and below – will do so at either the St Sampson’s or Les Beaucamps site and will not need to move during their remaining years in compulsory education.

This schools transition plan was developed following consultation with educationalists.

The two colleges, operating as one school, will largely be in place by September 2022 and should be fully operational by September 2023 with ‘facilities that meet the highest educational standards’.

In its plan, Education said that during the transition period nearly 90% of students will complete their compulsory education on the same site which they joined for Year 7.

Deputy Fallaize added during the transitional period a collaborative approach will be essential.

‘In the coming months and years we will work closely

with our teaching profession and their union representatives as we transition from four sites to two,’ he said.

‘The committee confirms that there will be a teaching position for all current secondary teachers who want one following the reforms.

‘This will, however, be a period of change for staff and a collaborative approach with open dialogue is essential.’