Victoria College to double bursary places as part of 175th anniversary celebrations

Victoria College is to double the number of bursary places it offers, creating more opportunities for young people from across Jersey to attend the school regardless of their family's financial circumstances.

The number of bursaries will rise from 45 to 90 as part of plans to mark the school's 175th anniversary in 2027.

The expansion was announced at the official launch of the anniversary campaign at Government House, hosted by His Excellency Vice Admiral Sir Jerry Kyd KBE, Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey and Patron of the Victoria College Foundation.

Victoria College headteacher Dr Gareth Hughes said financial circumstances should not prevent talented pupils from accessing an education at the school.

"A family's income should never determine whether a talented young person can benefit from a Victoria College education," he said.

"We want young people across Jersey to grow up knowing that, if Victoria College is the right school for them, it is genuinely within their reach."

Hundreds of Jersey pupils have already attended Victoria College with the support of a bursary.

Old Victorian Evan Laframboise, who was awarded a bursary, said the scheme had given him an opportunity to change his future.

"There is so much talent in Jersey just waiting for the chance of a better life, but sometimes the key ingredient that's missing is hope," he said.

"The bursary scheme gave me that hope and changed my life. When you invest in people, you invest in hope."

Current bursary student Malachi Mitchell said his experience at the College had helped him discover his abilities and develop confidence.

"My time at Victoria College gave me a sense of purpose and helped me understand what I was good at - and that, when I applied myself, I could achieve a lot," he said.

"Being a bursary student never made me feel different, and that is something I have grown to deeply appreciate."

For some families, the financial support has made attending the College possible.

The parent of a current bursary student, who is a single parent and solely responsible for their child's care, said the assistance had been vital.

"My son is a very bright young man, and he does really well at school," they said.

"I am very grateful for the financial help we receive; without it my son could not be where he is now."

Annual fees at Victoria College are around £9,000.

The expansion of the bursary scheme has also received support from headteachers at other Jersey schools.

Russell Price, headteacher at Rouge Bouillon School, said the scheme would give pupils greater choice when deciding where to continue their education.

"We are fortunate to have some very good schools in Jersey, and parents must choose the secondary school that they believe best suits their child's learning needs," he said.

"I am delighted the Victoria College bursary scheme will mean that students from our school will have the same choice of schools available to them irrespective of their parents' income."

He added that the scheme supported "meritocracy" and could have a significant impact on social mobility.

Mal Robson, headteacher at Springfield School, also welcomed the announcement.

"Finance should not be a barrier to education or educational choices," he said.

"The bursary campaign at Victoria College provides support for families that may not have considered accessing all the opportunities the College has to offer."

He added: "An exciting journey awaits."