It takes just four steps to a better education model, but the models listed by CfESC are all one move solutions.  The three options listed in the policy letter all have problems, but this model ends up with all three 11-18 schools, costs less, and offers the widest choice of A-levels and vocational options by linking the schools together.

Step 1: LMDC Students move to existing estate

There is spare capacity within the existing estate to accommodate all LMDC students without exceeding the design capacity of the remaining schools:

• SSHS can take 720 right now
• LBHS can take 660
• Les Varendes can take 800 + 400 in Sixth Form.

There’s capacity of 2,180 in KS3/4 and this year there are ~2000 students. There’s a predicted bulge in 2023 of 2,271 students which would go very slightly over that mark.  No extensions required, no portacabins.  For the LMDC construction period only, a 1x 11-18 school plus 2x 11-16 school model is temporarily adopted.  This arrangement is currently recommended by teachers as the most workable.

Step 2: Rebuild LMDC

With the site vacated, it’s possible to build in the less flood prone area occupied by the existing school.  The existing school building is used to create a “flood bund” saving on costs both to transport material in, and disposal of building rubble.  The old school becomes the flood protection for the new. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle in action.  The new 960 capacity school has enough space to accommodate a small sixth form in addition to KS3/4 but would need to rely transport links to Les Varendes to offer a wide range of options.

Step 3: Move LBHS students to LMDC, and FE to LBHS

Students from Les Beaucamps would need to say a fond farewell to the building, but for some it would be merely “au revoir”, as the building would be repurposed for further education.  This provides a prestige building for the new Guernsey Institute.  This option has been previously investigated by ESC and confirmed as viable.  There is space on site for the main teaching area, but workshops would need to be built from scratch.

Step 4: Join it all together

Consortiums are tried, tested and working. Schools get Outstanding ratings. Students get to mix vocational and academic qualifications. The widest possible selection of qualifications from a single 16-18 offering, joined together by a 10-minute bus ride for some options only.