Guernsey schools to have boards of governors

A proposal to make boards of governors required by law for all Guernsey schools has been passed by the States.

It was put forward by Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, President of the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture, who said it would give parents, carers and members of the local community more involvement in how schools were run.

The decision was passed 35 votes to 3, with 2 abstentions.

An amendment from Deputy Peter Roffey, which said the responsibilities of the boards should be decided first, lost by 27 votes to 7, with 2 abstentions.

Dudley-Owen said the system was being trialled with Interim Governance boards, which she said had been successful so far.

She said evidence worldwide, and also in Guernsey's private colleges, showed good outcomes, as it gave head teachers opportunities to reflect on decisions and consult with members of the school community.

Dudley-Owen said: "This change is about making space for people with skin in the game, who are invested and interested.

"There's been a period of instability and almost turmoil around the education system for many years, and there's a view that politicians have been too close to the education system.

"This is an opportunity to ensure the community start to have a say in the running of our schools."

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