5 reasons why Guernsey is a great location for your child’s education
As any parent who relocates with children will tell you, finding the right education solutions generally comes above any other consideration when seeking out a destination for relocation. It is therefore comforting to know that Guernsey’s education system offers both excellence and choice.
1. Quantity and quality
Guernsey’s education system is very similar to the UK with pupils allocated a primary school at the beginning of the school year in which they reach their fifth birthday. States Primary School places are allocated by catchment area and schools are at the heart of the parish and communities.
Children up to the age of 18 have access to free education via the State Education system. Even in a small community like ours, the States maintained education system is broad and diverse, covering early years, primary, secondary, post-16, special educational needs and adult learning across numerous sites. The Education Strategy is the glue that binds all this together with one common purpose.
All education settings are subject to independent external inspection through Ofsted or the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) with full reports available on their websites.
https://www.gov.gg/inspections
2. Private schooling options available
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.
- 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.
- Blanchelande College is an independent Catholic college, providing education from pre-school through to 18 years.
3. British Education system
Schools deliver a similar curriculum to that in the UK through The Bailiwick of Guernsey Curriculum and students access a similar suite of qualifications to those available in England and Wales. Pupils sit GCSE and A-Levels at 16 and 18 years of age respectively; additionally, the current Sixth Form Centre also offers the International Baccalaureate.
All schools and settings 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.
4. After school clubs
Guernsey’s schools boast excellent sports facilities and offer many opportunities for children to participate in sporting and other activities, both on and off the water, at a competitive and recreational level. This helps to maintain Guernsey’s reputation as a safe, family-friendly community encouraging children to embrace healthy activity from a grass-roots level and beyond.
With a typical commute in Guernsey also taking less then 15 minutes, it’s also quick and easy to get around the island and means children have more time to enjoy the activities on offer.
5. University and higher education options
In 2024, 82% of 16 year olds were participating in post-16 education or apprenticeship in Guernsey. Post-16 provision on island offers broad and exciting options for continued learning, including plenty of opportunities to learn new skills via apprenticeship schemes and training courses.
The Guernsey Institute (TGI) is made up of the College of Further Education, the Institute for Health and Social Care Studies and the GTA University Centre.
The TGI College offers:
- Full-time courses, at entry level to Level 3, aimed primarily at school leavers, however applications from mature students are welcomed.
- Part-time professional courses catering for a wide variety of professions, from one-day seminars to longer Higher Education programmes.
- Apprenticeships are available through TGI which provides vocational training for the Guernsey Apprenticeship programme.
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 also be applied for through the States of Guernsey. For further information about funding for study through the States of Guernsey, please visit: Funding for Study
For information on University and Higher Education in general, please click here: Higher Education & University.
If you are considering relocating to the island, the team at Locate Guernsey are on hand to provide confidential guidance throughout your relocation journey free of charge. If you would like to understand how Guernsey could work for you, please get in touch:
