Education Minister rejects bilingual school suggestion

Thursday, 5 September 2024 12:39

Jersey's Education Minister is rejecting an attempt to set up three bilingual primary schools.

The idea - put forward by Deputy Philip Bailhache - is due to be debated in the States next week.

In his proposal, the St Clement backbencer and former Bailiff says he thinks the English- French schools would reconnect the island with its bilingual past - and have cultural, academic and economic benefits

"It is disappointing that few Jersey people can today speak French with any degree of fluency or understand the language of our nearest neighbour."

Responding to the suggestion, the Education Minister says it could cost an estimated £2 million a year to establish. That is equivalent to £4,000 per pupil.

Deputy Rob Ward says that would potentially take funding away from children with the highest level of need.

He argues that the priority areas for his department are special educational needs and disabilities and wider inclusion across all Island schools, and says Deputy Bailhache's proposal does not align with either of those aims.

"I remain committed to our declared priorities of inclusion, equal opportunities and the promotion of equity for all our learners. This proposition by its design is neither inclusive nor accessible to all children and young people on Island."

Deputy Ward also anticipates Jersey would struggle to recruit or retrain teachers with the necessary linguistic abilities to deliver bilingual lessons.

Headteachers are being surveyed on their views this week, and the results will be shared with States Members ahead of the debate.