> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thequarry.media/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# States backing sought for Ladies' College and Elizabeth College independence following major donation
- URL: https://www.thequarry.media/states-backing-sought-for-ladies-college-and-elizabeth-college-independence-following-major-donation/
- Published: 2026-10-06T09:36:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-06T13:36:38.000Z
- Author: The Quarry
- Tags: News

- Anonymous philanthropist offers substantial endowments to The Ladies' College and Elizabeth College, contingent on independence from States administration
- Current States grant of £2.2 million per annum to both colleges will cease from 1st September 2027 if proposals proceed
- States would transfer land ownership to The Ladies' College subject to agreed purchase price, and repeal legislation governing the college
- Both colleges will continue providing pupil data and maintaining educational and safeguarding standards under Independent Schools Inspectorate Framework
- Blanchelande College funding arrangement remains unchanged under current terms

Listen to this article

0:00

/0

1×

Policy & Resources and Education, Sport & Culture are seeking States approval to progress the future independence of The Ladies' College and Elizabeth College, following the offer of a substantial donation to the two schools.

An anonymous philanthropist has offered a substantial endowment to each college. In the case of The Ladies' College, the endowment is contingent upon its administration and management functions first becoming wholly independent from the States, allowing for a new charitable structure to be established.

The endowment will enable The Ladies' College and Elizabeth College to step away from the current States' funding agreement, meaning that the current grant of £2.2 million per annum from the States to the colleges will cease.

To achieve the independence required by the philanthropist and to enable the continuing operation of The Ladies' College, the States would need to transfer ownership of the land it currently leases to the college to its new operating entity, subject to payment of an agreed purchase price. It is also proposed that the legislation currently governing The Ladies' College should be repealed.

If the process outlined in the policy letter proceeds as planned, States' grant funding to the two colleges would cease from 1st September 2027, or as soon as practicable thereafter.

The policy letter also proposes that both colleges will continue to provide statistical data on pupil numbers and categories, attainment and capacity, to enable the States to formulate informed education and social policy for the island.

Both colleges will continue to adopt and implement educational and safeguarding standards as set out in the Independent Schools Inspectorate Framework, or other comparable inspection framework.

Grant funding to Blanchelande College will continue on the current terms, with the same notice period and the same maximum value.

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Policy & Resources Committee, said: "This exceptionally generous gift will give The Ladies' College and Elizabeth College long-term financial security without need of taxpayers' support. We have responded swiftly but with careful thought and due diligence to take the steps necessary for the Colleges to become wholly independent of the States so they can accept the donor's offer. From the States' perspective, the practical steps to make this possible are set out in the Policy Letter and I am optimistic the Assembly will agree them."

Deputy Paul Montague, President of the Education, Sport & Culture Committee, said: "Investing in education is one of the most important things any community can do. It shapes the opportunities our young people have, the skills our economy relies on, and the kind of island Guernsey will be in the decades to come. Importantly, independence does not mean working apart. The Policy Letter notes the intention of all schools in Guernsey, States-run and independent alike, to continue to work together to develop opportunities and experiences that improve outcomes for every pupil. We will continue to collaborate with the Colleges, and our funding arrangement with Blanchelande College is unchanged."

John Roche, Chair of Board of Elizabeth College and Caroline Chan, Chair of the Board of Ladies' College, said: "We are very grateful for the work that has gone into drafting this Policy Letter. Officers, the Policy & Resources Committee and the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture have worked immensely hard to deliver it on a timeline that we hope will allow us to move forward for the benefit of all."

## Q&A

**Q: When would States grant funding to the colleges cease?**  
A: States' grant funding to The Ladies' College and Elizabeth College would cease from 1st September 2027, or as soon as practicable thereafter, if the policy letter proposals are approved.

**Q: How much does the States currently grant to the colleges?**  
A: The States currently provides a grant of £2.2 million per annum to The Ladies' College and Elizabeth College combined.

**Q: Will Blanchelande College be affected by these changes?**  
A: No, grant funding to Blanchelande College will continue on the current terms, with the same notice period and the same maximum value.