Guernsey unveils major education, sport and culture workplan for 2026-2029
- Education, Sport & Culture publishes workplan for 2026-2029 with 11 major policy workstreams addressing education, sport and cultural development
- Beau Sejour Programme to determine future of 50-year-old facility by mid-2027, with options ranging from adaptation to fundamental redevelopment
- Sixth Form Centre location and Les Ozouets Campus Phase 2 under review, with options appraisals due by Q4 2026 and September 2026 respectively
- Transformation of primary education to commence in 2027, addressing changing demographics and establishing framework for future-focused provision
- Reviews planned for preschool funding, school meals provision, higher education funding and culture strategy, alongside pursuit of University College Status for Guernsey Institute
Education, Sport & Culture has published a workplan for 2026-2029 that aims to strengthen Guernsey's identity, invest in its people, and secure long-term social and economic value for the island.
The plan, which aligns with the Government Work Plan's 'Foundations for our Future' focus area, addresses education strategy, sports facilities, cultural heritage, and cross-committee initiatives including improvements to support for children with Additional Learning Needs.
Committee President Deputy Paul Montague said the committee's core purpose is "to encourage human development by maximising opportunities for participation and excellence through education, learning, sport and culture at every stage of life."
The workplan encompasses 11 major policy workstreams alongside several operational initiatives, many of which are interconnected and will shape the island's educational and cultural landscape for years to come.
Culture strategy to be developed
A comprehensive Culture Strategy is being developed, with a report expected in the second half of 2027. Guernsey currently lacks an evidence-based framework to guide cultural development despite having diverse cultural assets across public and private sectors.
The committee said there is no clear understanding of which cultural activities deliver the greatest value to the community and visitors, creating risks of missed opportunities, duplication, and fragmented resources.
The strategy will include a comprehensive audit of current provision, assessment of strengths and gaps, and a framework ensuring funding delivers measurable value socially, culturally, and economically. It aims to transform a fragmented landscape into a strategic, outcomes-focused approach ensuring culture is recognised as core to the island's long-term vision.
Beau Sejour Programme launched
The Beau Sejour Programme will assess the future of the 50-year-old community facility, with preferred option analysis expected by mid-2027. A recent Sustainability Review confirms the facility no longer meets modern expectations, with the ageing building increasingly inefficient to operate and maintain.
The programme objective is to ensure Guernsey retains a civic facility delivering emergency response resilience, supporting health and wellbeing, promoting active lifestyles, and enabling cultural and community engagement across all ages and abilities.
The programme will define required outcomes through cross-committee and cross-sector approaches, assess whether needs can be met through site adaptation or fundamental redevelopment, and ground decisions in affordability, sustainability, and effective use of public funds.
Importantly, if the Les Ozouets Campus Phase 2 does not proceed, the Beau Sejour Programme will expand to include facilities supporting Guernsey Institute students undertaking level 2 and 3 qualifications in sports and public services.
Sixth Form Centre location under review
After nearly a decade of uncertainty, a new operating model for secondary and post-16 education launched in September 2025, introducing three high schools alongside a distinct Sixth Form Centre. The Sixth Form Centre currently occupies the former La Mare de Carteret High School as an interim solution.
The committee is actively assessing potential locations for Sixth Form education, with an options appraisal due to conclude in Q4 2026. Key priorities include ensuring options reflect learner needs first and foremost, providing high-quality environments supporting attainment, progression, and wellbeing, and making effective use of public assets.
This workstream connects to both the Beau Sejour Programme and Les Ozouets Campus Phase 2.
Les Ozouets Campus Phase 2 decision pending
Les Ozouets Campus, opening in September 2027, represents a once-in-a-generation investment bringing together The Guernsey Institute's University Centre, College, Business School, and Apprenticeships in a single modern setting.
However, the original plan included the Sixth Form Centre and dedicated sports facilities. In January 2024, the States agreed to a phased construction approach, deferring these elements to an unfunded second phase.
The committee faces a strategic crossroads requiring a clear policy decision on whether to secure funding for Phase 2 or pursue alternative arrangements. An options appraisal will conclude by the end of September 2026.
Preschool funding review planned
A review of preschool education and care funding will begin in the second half of 2026. Current funding provides most parents with 15 hours of free preschool education weekly during school term time in the year before their child starts Reception.
The committee said reviewing the early years funding model is necessary to ensure investment aligns with island priorities for all children and families. A modern funding approach must reflect the true cost of delivering high-quality, inclusive early years provision while supporting accessibility and fairness.
The early years sector demonstrated collaboration through the Joyous Childhood conference in September 2025, with over 150 practitioners attending. A Joyous Childhood family event in January 2026 welcomed more than 600 children and parents.
Transformation of primary education to commence
Following the successful introduction of a new operating model for secondary and post-16 education, the transformation of primary education represents the next critical phase in strengthening the island's education system. Work is set to commence in 2027.
Guernsey's changing demographic profile, including falling birth rates, is reshaping demand for primary education. Some current primary school buildings and sites no longer reflect modern educational practice, with physical limitations often constraining flexibility and innovation.
The programme will establish a clear framework for delivering high-quality primary provision, ensuring the right number of schools operating from the right locations with the right infrastructure support. It will also examine how schools can serve as community hubs, supporting children and families beyond the school day.
School meals exploration underway
Unlike many comparable jurisdictions, Guernsey does not provide a school meal offer within the primary sector. The committee wants to explore whether and how healthy, sustainable school meal provision could be delivered across all primary schools, then perhaps extended to high schools.
Establishing healthy eating habits from an early age is fundamental to improving lifelong health and wellbeing. A high-quality school meal offer extends beyond nutrition, supporting children's social development and helping address inequalities by ensuring all children have access to at least one nutritious meal daily.
The committee intends to complete the exploratory phase by mid-2027, so findings can link into the Transformation of Primary Education workstream.
Education governance changes progressing
In February 2025, the States of Deliberation resolved to introduce a new education governance system for all States-maintained education settings. They also created the Education Devolution & Delegation Investigation & Advisory Committee (EDDIAC) to determine whether services supporting front-line education delivery should remain centrally delivered or be devolved to individual education settings.
EDDIAC is expected to report to the States of Deliberation by the end of 2026 with evidence-based recommendations.
Since the 2025 debate, the committee has ensured each education setting in Guernsey and Alderney is now supported by its own Education Governance Board. The new governance model is underpinned by a clear legal framework enabling greater autonomy at local level.
Higher education funding under review
A root and branch review of higher education funding will commence before the end of 2026, exploring a range of funding options and considering ways to incentivise people to return to Guernsey once they have qualified and gained experience elsewhere.
The current grant scheme has received criticism from those whose wider household circumstances prevent them from receiving full or partial grant support. The committee said it remains determined to support choice in higher education opportunities and ensure family circumstances are not barriers to academic achievement.
Recognising that a review of this scale will take time, there will be a parallel workstream to improve the current system. An interim review will ensure changes are introduced for those applying for grants for the academic year starting in September 2027.
University College Status pursued
The committee has begun investigating the path to secure university college status for The Guernsey Institute. This is an ambitious, multi-phase workstream that will span a number of years.
Achieving University College Status allows development of discrete bespoke degree-level qualifications specifically designed to respond to local industry needs. It also provides lifelong learning opportunities for those whose circumstances would otherwise prevent them from spending significant time away from Guernsey.
An important first step will be legislative change to establish a formal 'statement of intent'. The committee has commenced exploratory discussions with a recognised quality assurance partner to better understand requirements.
Education Law to be updated
The committee plans to begin engaging with stakeholders in early 2027 about legislative changes that would embed safeguarding and wellbeing best practice for the benefit of all learners.
The Education Law underpinning the system dates back to 1970. While it has served the island for many years, society, educational practice and understanding of safeguarding and learner wellbeing have evolved significantly.
Since extending the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to Guernsey in 2020, the island has reaffirmed commitment to placing children's rights, voices and interests at the centre of decision-making.
School attendance being prioritised
Alongside the major policy workstreams, the committee will maintain strategic oversight of significant operational initiatives, including improving school attendance.
While the majority of learners attend school regularly, there is a pattern of persistent or irregular attendance from a small but significant number of learners, directly impacting attainment, wellbeing, and long-term life chances.
Schools are strengthening early identification processes, enhancing pastoral care, and working in partnership with families and support services to address underlying causes of school absence. At strategic level, attendance is being prioritised as a key indicator of education system performance.
Q&A
Q: When will the options appraisal for the Sixth Form Centre location be completed?
A: The options appraisal for the long-term location of the Sixth Form Centre is expected to conclude in Q4 2026. The Sixth Form Centre currently occupies the former La Mare de Carteret High School as an interim solution.
Q: What happens to Beau Sejour if Les Ozouets Campus Phase 2 does not proceed?
A: If the Les Ozouets Campus Phase 2 does not proceed, the Beau Sejour Programme's remit will expand to include facilities supporting Guernsey Institute students undertaking level 2 and 3 qualifications in sports and public services.
Q: When will changes to higher education funding be introduced?
A: An interim review will ensure changes are introduced for those applying for higher education grants for the academic year starting in September 2027. A more substantial root and branch review will commence before the end of 2026.
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