Shake-up of schools to tackle leadership concerns

A major shake-up of Jersey's schools is being rolled out to tackle concerns about inconsistent support for children and gaps in leadership, according to the government.

The new partnership system has been brought in following feedback from schools and an independent review in 2025 of special educational needs.

It highlighted strong inclusive practice in places but warned there was a need for clearer strategy, more consistent leadership and better joined-up working across the island.

The Children, Young People, Education and Skills Department said it had now appointed four School Partnership Leads to drive the changes, with the scheme starting in September as part of a two-year trial.

Under the plan, schools will be grouped into four partnerships based on catchment areas, linking primaries with their feeder secondary schools.

Each group will share staff, resources and training in a bid to improve standards, support families more consistently and reduce workloads for teachers.

Jo Terry-Marchant, who is stepping down as principal of Highlands College after more than 20 years, will lead on secondary schools.

Lance Chatfield will take over as principal at Highlands in September.

The wider team includes Jo Pearce for town primary schools, John Baudains for the east and Vicki Charlesworth for the west.

Terry-Marchant said she was delighted to take on the role for secondary schools.

"Collaboration is essential to improving outcomes for all young people, and I am committed to working closely with colleagues to ensure every student can access the opportunities they need to thrive, whatever their starting point," she said.

"Together, we will continue to strengthen collaboration across our schools and build on this collective expertise to secure the very best outcomes for our pupils."

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