Jersey's private schools could face funding cuts

Private schools should not be exempt from funding cuts, the scrutiny panel says

Private schools in Jersey will not escape government's cuts, following a review of the Education Department's spending.

Earlier this year the Council of Ministers agreed to £50m worth of public spending cuts as part of its Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR).

All departments have been asked to make efficiency savings of 10%.

As part of plans to meet this, Education could cut private schools' funding by 2%.

Such a move would save almost £200,000 a year.

The scrutiny review panel said the grant for local private schools has continued to grow year after year, but it believes the savings should extend to the private education sector as well.

The panel has also called for a £33,000 annual payment to Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust to be cut. This funding pays for free entry and teaching time for Jersey schools.