International Baccalaureate ended in Guernsey

The IB programme, studied at the Sixth Form Centre, was paused in 2024 following low sign-ups

The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme in Guernsey has been ended by the Education, Sport & Culture Committee (ESC).

The IB was paused in 2024 following low sign-ups and the committee said it was was determined students and families should not face such a situation again.

The committee said it reviewed the situation last week, highlighting the importance of giving clarity to students before they began making post-16 choices.

It added that it recognised the decision would be disappointing for many students, but it had found itself in a position where "continuing to offer both [IB and A-level] qualifications is not viable".

ESC President Paul Montague said: "As someone who has been involved in delivering the IB diploma programme for 13 years, I would like to reassure the public that this was not a decision that the committee made lightly.

"I personally found this a very difficult decision to make.

"I had to put aside my own experience of the course and the fantastic staff who deliver it and focus on what is truly best for all our students."

Kieran James, principal of the Sixth Form Centre, said it was "obviously disappointing to see the IB programme coming to an end".

He added: "However, all the staff at the Sixth Form Centre will of course continue to provide the highest possible quality, rich and diverse educational experience for the bailiwick's state-educated sixth form students through an A-level pathway".