Guernsey parents 'frustrated' over education uncertainty

A £60m redevelopment of La Mare de Carteret could see smaller schools closed

Parents of school pupils have vented their frustration over the uncertain future of education in Guernsey.

About 200 parents attended an emergency meeting at Les Beaucamps High School to discuss a debate on a £60m school redevelopment project.

Politicians will debate a report on the rebuild of La Mare de Carteret Schools next week.

The Treasury and Resources department wants to reduce the number of secondary schools as part of the plans.

This week the department has tried to delay the project by asking the Education Department to provide clear plans on the future of these schools before any rebuilding starts.

'Laughing stock'

After the meeting, Les Beaucamps PTA member and parent Frances Ogier said: "It made me feel incredibly frustrated at the way T&R seem to be taking the ground right from under Education's feet and blackmailing them.

"I'm extremely unhappy. These are politicians who are supposed to know what they are doing but as far as I'm concerned they're making themselves a laughing stock."

Karen Le Page, who has two children at the Castel Primary School, said: "I do not see why we need to go down to three schools. It's an absolutely ridiculous proposition.

"Education of the children is more important than money; you can't put a value on it."

Treasury wants to delay the rebuild until detailed plans for secondary education are drawn up

Treasury Minister Gavin St Pier said: "The decision we face is not about choosing educational outcomes or value for money, it's about making the right decision that balances both of those interests.

"We are living with decisions made in previous States, including the decision not to rebuild La Mare first."

Education board member Deputy Richard Conder urged all States members to "be careful of coming up with new plans" stating his department had spent two-and-a-half years drawing up its proposals.