Education in Guernsey facts for kids
| Committee for Education, Sport and Culture | |
|---|---|
| President | Andrea Dudley-Owen |
| General details | |
| Primary languages | English |
Education in the Bailiwick of Guernsey is all about the schools and learning systems in Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark. In Guernsey, the States of Guernsey's Committee for Education, Sport and Culture looks after everything. They manage many schools, including three big secondary schools called comprehensive schools, and one grammar school. They also run The Guernsey Institute, which is for higher education. There are also some private schools on the island.
Students in Guernsey's public schools go to primary school from Reception to Year 6 (ages 4 to 11). After that, they move to secondary school from Year 7 to Year 11 (ages 11 to 16). At the end of Year 11, students usually take General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams. These exams are a big step, similar to finishing high school in many other countries.
It's required for all students to go to school from age 5 to 16. However, many students choose to stay in education after 16. They can study for A-levels at one of the Sixth Form centers or take other advanced courses at The Guernsey Institute. About 87% of 16-year-olds continue their education. School is free for everyone up to age 18. After finishing Sixth Form, many students go to university, often in England, or continue their studies at The Guernsey Institute in Guernsey.
The education system in Guernsey is quite similar to the one in England. For example, GCSEs have been graded from 9 to 1 since 2017. The national exams and vocational qualifications are the same as those used in the UK, following the Regulated Qualifications Framework.
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Changes to Guernsey Schools
Guernsey's secondary schools have been going through some big changes. In 2019, the States of Guernsey decided to combine the secondary schools into one big school called Lisia School, split across two locations. This plan had a large investment of £157 million.
However, in March 2020, the plans were paused. The Committee for Education, Sport and Culture then looked at different ways to organize secondary education.
Some ideas they considered were:
- Two schools for ages 11 to 18.
- Three schools for ages 11 to 18.
- Two schools for ages 11 to 16, and one school for ages 11 to 18.
- Three schools for ages 11 to 18, plus a separate Sixth Form center.
All these ideas focused on having one main leadership team for all the island's secondary schools.
In 2021, the States of Guernsey decided to go with the idea of having three schools for ages 11 to 16, and a separate Sixth Form Centre. This means that La Mare de Carteret High School and the Guernsey Grammar School will close in 2025 and 2023 respectively. The three new 11-16 schools are St Sampson's High School, Les Beaucamps High School, and the new Les Varendes High School. Les Varendes High School opened in September 2023 on the site of the old Guernsey Grammar School.
The plan also includes moving The Sixth Form Centre to a new building at Les Ozouets. This new building will be shared with The Guernsey Institute. The old St Peter Port School building will be taken down to make way for this new college.
Because of building delays, The Sixth Form Centre will temporarily move to the current La Mare de Carteret High School site when it closes in 2025. This temporary move is expected to last until at least 2029.
Schools in Guernsey Today
Here is a list of the schools currently open in Guernsey. Information for Alderney and Sark schools is below.
Primary Schools
- Amherst Primary School
- Elizabeth College Junior School at Acorn House and Beechwood
- Castel Primary School
- Forest Primary School
- Hautes Capelles Primary School
- Herm Primary School
- The Ladies' College Lower School
- La Mare de Carteret Primary School
- Les Voies School
- La Houguette Primary School
- Notre Dame du Rosaire Catholic Primary School
- St Martin's Primary School
- St Mary & St Michael Catholic Primary School
- Vale Primary School
- Vauvert Primary School
Secondary Schools
- Les Varendes High School
- La Mare de Carteret High School
- Les Beaucamps High School
- St Sampson's High School
Post-16 Education
- The Sixth Form Centre
- The Guernsey Institute
Special Schools
- Le Murier
- Le Rondin School & Centre
Independent Schools
- Blanchelande College
- Elizabeth College
- Ladies' College
Schools in Alderney and Sark
Alderney and Sark are smaller islands that are part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey. They have their own schools for primary education and some secondary education.
- St Anne's School (in Alderney)
- Sark School (in Sark)
Past Schools
Some schools in Guernsey have closed over the years. Here are a few examples:
Primary Schools that Closed
St Saviour's School (closed 1978)
This was a public school that closed in 1978. The building later became a special needs school and is now a community center.
Amherst Infant School and Junior School (closed 2003)
These two public schools merged in 2003 to become Amherst Primary School, which is still open today.
Hautes Capelles Infant School and Junior School (closed 2006)
Similar to Amherst, these two public schools merged in 2006 to form Hautes Capelles Primary School.
St Andrew's Primary School (closed 2015)
This public primary school closed its doors in 2015.
Secondary Schools that Closed
St Peter Port School (closed 2009)
This public secondary school closed in 2009. Its building was later used by The Guernsey Institute and is now planned to be taken down for a new Sixth Form college.
Guernsey Grammar School (closed 2023)
This public grammar school closed on July 31, 2023. It has been replaced by Les Varendes High School.
Special Schools that Closed
Mont Varouf School (closed 2005)
This public school for students with special educational needs closed in 2005. The building is now a community center.
