University fees 'too expensive' for some Jersey students

The JCG Parents Association has written to the education department about university fees

A parents association has accused the government in Jersey of not doing enough to help local students fund their university education.

The Jersey College for Girls Parents Association shared its views in a letter to the education department.

Penny Carter, chairman of the association, said the local grant system was complicated and confusing.

She said the States should be doing more to help and Jersey employers could help by sponsoring students.

'Disproportionate'

At a recent meeting at Jersey College for Girls [JCG], parents responded to the consultation on the future of education in the island.

In their letter to the education department, parents said they felt the financial pressure to provide further education for their children was "unfair and disproportionate".

Ms Carter said: "The universities themselves are not clear what the fees are for children from Jersey.

"I think the education department have got a job on their hands and we'd really like them to do what they can.

"My understanding is they now, because of the UK competition laws, are having to negotiate with every single UK university before they can come up with what the cost is for a Jersey student."