Whether you’re moving to the island with toddlers or teenagers, Guernsey’s education system offers excellence and valuable choice.
Guernsey’s education system is very similar to the UK. Children up to the age of 18 have access to free schooling via the state system, and the island’s three independent colleges deliver an excellent standard of private education. Guernsey’s Education Services are responsible for all education in Guernsey.
States of Guernsey - Education Services
Pre-School Education
For a list of Guernsey’s pre-schools, day nurseries and crèches, please visit:
Guernsey Pre-Schools, Day Nurseries & Crèches
In Guernsey, 3 - 4 year olds are entitled to free pre-school provision for up to 15 hours per week, 38 weeks a year (term time only).
Free Pre-School Provision Information
Primary Education
There are 16 Primary Schools for children aged 5 - 11 years old in Guernsey. Most students will be allocated a Primary School at the beginning of the school year in which they reach their fifth birthday. Primary School places are allocated by the catchment area and are at the heart of parish communities.
There are also two Primary Schools for children who are baptised Catholics, two Primary Schools for children with special education needs and three Private Schools.
Children stay in Primary education until they are 11 years old. Thereafter the island’s mainstream Secondary Schools accept all-ability year groups, allowing all children to be provided with similar opportunities at each school.
Secondary Education
There are nine Secondary Schools for children aged 11 - 16 years old in Guernsey which consist of three High Schools, one Grammar School*, three Private Schools and two Special Education Needs Schools.
*Secondary and post-16 education is undergoing a period of transformation. Following the decision by the States Deliberation to end selection at age 11, since September 2019, the four mainstream Secondary Schools, (three High Schools & Grammar School) intake is from their respective partner Primary feeder schools.
Post-16 Education
The latest figures from 2022 show that more than 88% of students decide to stay in education after Year 11. The College of Further Education and Sixth Form Centres within the secondary schools are great options for continued learning, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills via apprenticeship schemes and training courses.
College of Further Education Grammar School & Sixth Form Centre
University & Higher Education
Although Guernsey does not have its own university, there are still plenty of opportunities for higher education on island for both students and adult learning such as the Open University, The Institute of Health & Social Care studies, GTA University Centre and the College of Further Education.
For those students who wish to pursue higher education off island, there are opportunities for bursaries and scholarships through private companies. Support funding for full-time higher education degree courses can be applied for through the States of Guernsey.
For further information about funding for study through the States of Guernsey, please visit:
States of Guernsey - Funding for Study
For information on University and Higher Education in general, please click here:
Higher Education & University - States of Guernsey
Special Educational Needs
Education Services recognise that all children and young people are of equal value and have the same basic emotional, social and education needs. The aim of the Services is to provide an education system where every child feels healthy and nurtured, safe, achieving and active, respected and responsible and included.
For advice and guidance on special educational needs in Guernsey, please visit:
Curriculum
Guernsey follows the same curriculum as the UK, although Guernsey’s pass grade average frequently exceeds that of the UK.
Children go through three key stages at Primary School level; Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
Once children move on to Secondary School, Key Stage 3 covers Years 7 to 9 and Key Stage 4 applies to years 10 and 11. In addition, pupils study towards GCSEs at age 16 and can then choose to study AS/A-Levels or undertake Apprenticeships thereafter.
In addition to the full range of A-Levels, Guernsey Grammar School and Sixth Form Centre also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, which is recognised around the world.
All schools are subjected to regular inspections that focus on the impact of schools in improving the educational experiences and lives of pupils through learning and achievement.
Private Schools
Guernsey has three independent colleges and all accept pre-school aged children.
Elizabeth College comprises Acorn House Preschool and Infant School, Beechwood Junior School and Elizabeth College Senior School. Acorn House accepts children from three years of age and, all schools are co-ed. For more information visit:
The Ladies’ College has historical links with Cheltenham Ladies College and accepts girls from pre-school through to 18 years. When pupils reach Sixth Form, the College fosters a joint arrangement with Elizabeth College. For further information visit:
Ladies College & Sixth Form Centre
Blanchelande College is an independent Catholic college, providing education from pre-school through to 18 years. For more information visit:
Extra-curricular Activities
Guernsey’s schools boast excellent sports facilities, encouraging participation for all and mirroring the island’s healthy lifestyle.
There are lots of opportunities for children to participate in sports, both on and off the water, at a competitive and recreational level. Many after-school clubs also offer various music, dance, drama and youth groups.
Guernsey’s reputation as a safe, family-friendly community encourages children to embrace healthy activity at grass-roots level.