Amendments submitted before private schools debate

Two amendments have been put forward by deputies ahead of a debate on proposals to cut the funding of three independent private colleges in Guernsey.

In the first amendment, Deputy Gavin St Pier described the colleges as integral to the education "ecosystem" and would like to see funding continue on a rolling basis.

He also added that financial support should continue to be based on a per child model.

But, in a second amendment, Deputy Peter Roffey has suggested a 4% cut annually between 2026 and 2033, with half the money that is saved being reinvested into state schools, and the rest going towards reducing the cost of public service.

The debate comes following calls from the the island's education committee to cut funding.

In a policy letter, the committee said it was "inherently inequitable" for the government to subsidise fees at Guernsey's three independent colleges.

Before the debate, Blanchelande College, Elizabeth College and The Ladies' College are expected to receive funding of £2.85m for 2025/2026.

The issue will be debated by the States of Deliberation next Wednesday, 19 March.

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [email protected].