Public consultation launched on plans to admit girls to Victoria College sixth form

Islanders are being invited to have their say on proposals to allow girls to join the sixth form at Victoria College in Jersey.

The boys' school revealed in July that 79% of people who took part in an earlier survey supported the proposal, describing the result as a "very strong mandate for change".

Education and Lifelong Learning Minister Deputy Catherine Curtis has now extended the consultation to the wider island community, seeking feedback on how the plans could affect students, families and Jersey's education system.

Victoria College head teacher Gareth Hughes said introducing girls into Years 12 and 13 would help secure the school's long-term future while creating a more diverse sixth-form environment.

He described the proposal as "the right strategic direction for Victoria College".

Mr Hughes said a co-educational sixth form would offer students a broader range of opportunities, encourage greater diversity and enhance leadership and enrichment activities.

He added that the changes would help prepare young people for university, employment and life after education.

The school's internal consultation, held in June, indicated that most staff, parents and pupils were in favour of the proposals.

Founded in 1852, Victoria College is a States-funded, fee-paying school with around 700 pupils across Years 7 to 13. Fees for the current academic year stand at £2,989 per term.

The school typically admits around 80 pupils into Year 12 annually.

No final decision has been taken, and Mr Hughes stressed that the wider community would have an opportunity to

contribute before any changes were approved.

The government has also indicated that, if the proposals are accepted, the introduction of girls could potentially be extended to other year groups in the future.

The public consultation will remain open until 4 January 2027.