High quality education

A child’s life chances are shaped very early. At present, only 61% of children reach the expected level of development when they enter reception classes – a figure rated “red” by the Government, compared with 70% for a “green” rating. This is not good enough. A comprehensive Early Years programme is essential.

Jersey’s primary schools perform well, but the sharp decline in birth numbers will require restructuring. There is also a need to ensure fairness between town and parish schools in terms of facilities and resources.

Our secondary education system includes an unreasonable level of selection. Parents should have the choice of fee‑paying schools and the four state secondary schools which already match the fee‑paying schools in academic performance when measured on a value‑added basis. The long‑term objective should that high‑quality, inclusive state‑funded education for students aged 11 to 18 should be available in the same school. As an initial step, the divisive policy of selection at 14 must end. The next step is to explore whether the four non‑fee‑paying state secondary schools can cover the full 11–18 age range.

Higher education opportunities must expand on‑island, particularly for students who cannot study in the UK for financial, family, health or other reasons. Around 20% of UK university students live at home, but this is not feasible for many Jersey students, who are therefore denied opportunities. The primary route to addressing this is through expanding University College Jersey.

Vocational education must also be strengthened. Highlands College has an impressive record of achievement, but its facilities do not meet modern standards. High‑quality vocational education requires premises that are fit for purpose.

I also want to see exam results that are comparable with the highest‑performing English local authorities. Currently, matching England’s average performance is seen as an achievement; this is not good enough for Jersey. The education department should publish comprehensive attainment statistics for Jersey schools – individually and collectively – and benchmark them against the most comparable English authorities.

Finally, Jersey should be an exemplar in reading and oracy, and ensure that students develop the full range of skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global labour market and society.