IoD urges States to fund independent colleges

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has warned deputies against voting in favour of proposals that could see funding cut for independent colleges in the island.

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

But if deputies vote in favour of proposals, funding for independent colleges could be phased out and reinvested in the States-maintained education system.

A spokesman for the IoD said it was "critical for deputies to consider the economic contribution and benefits of independent education".

They added: "We must acknowledge the risks to economic growth, confidence, competitiveness and therefore our future success from removing some or all of the funding."

The committee for education, sport and culture has said it wants to phase out financial support for the colleges as is "not the best use of taxpayer money".

It adds that funding private education is an "unfair allocation" of funding which widens inequality and that it is not necessary for the colleges to continue running.

However, the IoD maintains the independent colleges represent value for money, delivering high-quality educational outcomes at a low cost to the States.

The IoD said: "Guernsey would be putting itself at a distinct disadvantage at exactly the moment when ensuring educational stability and outcomes is vital for long term economic growth and success."

The grant given to the colleges was £723k in 2019/20, which has increased to an expected cost of £2.85m by 2025/26.

The issue will be debated by the States of Deliberation on 19 March.

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