‘Let’s sort Sixth Form quicker’, says P&R president

Policy & Resources president Lindsay de Sausmarez admitted fears that sticking to the current plan could force the Sixth Form Centre to remain in its temporary home at La Mare beyond 2029.

But she hoped the new Education, Sport & Culture Committee’s study of alternative options could lead to a permanent solution sooner than expected.

‘If this ESC and the Assembly decide to back the previously agreed plan to build a standalone Sixth Form Centre at Les Ozouets, I think it’s inevitable that sixth formers will have to use La Mare for at least four years, if not longer, and that would be increasingly problematic – we all know the building is well past its ‘‘best before’’ date,’ said Deputy de Sausmarez.

‘There may be other options which mean the Sixth Form Centre can relocate sooner.

‘I’m confident this ESC will consider all the options and possibilities and make decisions that prioritise the best interests of students.’

The previous Education Committee said the temporary Sixth Form Centre would have to remain for four years after its construction plans at Les Ozouets were delayed. Their estimated cost has since risen to £50m. and ESC president Deputy Paul Montague has indicated that the scheme may no longer be feasible.

P&R and Education are yet to discuss capital projects, but most of their members have been critical of the secondary and post-16 education model agreed by the previous Assembly.

‘The promised review was never carried out, but the analysis made available strongly indicated that the previous committee’s proposals were sub-optimal educationally and economically, and to me it feels as though those chickens are coming home to roost,’ said Deputy de Sausmarez.

She expected ESC’s new review to focus on improving educational opportunities, costs and the ongoing decline in student numbers.