Primary school pupils fall by 5.6% in two years

Jersey Sees 5.6% Drop in Primary School Pupils Over Two Years

The number of primary school pupils in Jersey has declined by 5.6% over the past two years, according to a new report by Policy Centre Jersey (PCJ).

The charity analysed figures from Public Health Jersey, which showed that births in the island fell by nearly 10% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This drop in birth rate is already having a noticeable impact on school enrolment.

The report highlighted that four schools across Jersey have seen pupil numbers fall by more than 10%, raising concerns about the future structure of primary education on the island.

PCJ noted that while the falling student population might lead some to call for school closures, the more likely demand will be for smaller class sizes.

“Jersey has an unusual primary school setup,” the organisation said. “There are 24 schools with an average enrolment of 254 pupils. Yet, six schools have more than 350 students, and nine have fewer than 200. There may be a case for restructuring, particularly among smaller schools, but public pressure will likely favour reduced class sizes over closures.”

Looking ahead, PCJ suggested that reversing the declining birth rate may require financial incentives for families, especially given Jersey’s high cost of living.

“If the high cost of living is discouraging younger people from settling in Jersey, especially due to housing prices, the only effective solution would be to make living more affordable—particularly when it comes to housing,” the report stated.

In response to some of these challenges, the government has launched a long-term 25-year strategy aimed at improving the island’s public infrastructure. The plan is expected to address both housing affordability and the strain of ageing infrastructure.