Deputy de Sausmarez questions plans for sixth form at La Mare

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez has submitted 17 questions probing issues such as building space, costs and pupil-teacher ratios.

She said the questions were an opportunity for Education, Sport & Culture to justify moving A-level studies out of the 11-18 school at Les Varendes from the summer of 2025 and into a temporary location on the west coast until at least 2029.

ESC president Andrea Dudley-Owen is required to answer the Rule 14 questions in writing by the end of today.

‘Quite simply, I want to ensure the best possible educational opportunities and outcomes for students in States-maintained schools, and I want to ensure the best possible value for taxpayers’ money in doing so,’ said Deputy de Sausmarez.

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She has been a frequent critic of ESC’s proposal, which has been backed by the States, for a physical separation of the sixth form from earlier years of secondary education.

‘It seems obvious that a school that is integrated across all years from 11-18 has systemic advantages over 11-16 schools with similar-sized year groups, in terms of cost efficiency and educational opportunities such as curriculum choice.

‘ESC’s decision to send the Sixth Form Centre to La Mare until 2029 therefore strikes me as a poor option that will be more expensive and less educationally effective than keeping it where it is and where it has operated successfully for decades.

‘Some of my Rule 14 questions seek clearer and more specific information on this aspect than has been provided to date.’

Deputy de Sausmarez has requested details about total space and teaching space at Les Varendes if the Sixth Form Centre was kept there for the rest of the decade.

She then asked about the condition of buildings at Les Varendes and La Mare and the costs of running sixth form studies from each one.

She concluded her questions by asking whether ESC’s reforms have been subject to business cases and independent project reviews approved by Policy & Resources.

She said she was yet to meet a sixth form student or parent who was enthusiastic about the idea of the sixth form at La Mare.

‘Having had the opportunity to talk directly with ESC’s buildings consultant, I know that there is enough room for the sixth form to stay at Les Varendes, even alongside the students relocating from La Mare de Carteret High School,’ she said.

‘It seems clear to me that keeping the sixth form at Les Varendes would be a far better option for a number of different reasons. I think the questions I have asked will draw this out.’