Class sizes rise but standards ‘will remain high’
Deputy Chief Executive of Education, Sport and Culture (ESC), Paul Montague, who insists standards remain high in state-run primary schools, says Guernsey schools are already adapting to falling student numbers.
As part of efforts to use staff more efficiently, the number of reception classes in state schools has been reduced to 20 again this year.
Montague said the process was carefully managed to ensure a balanced distribution of students across primary schools on the island.
“I want to say a huge thank you to all the officers who have managed to do this in a way that has a pretty even distribution across these schools,” he said.
“This is definitely not an easy thing to do and as parents will know, it’s a really important time in children’s lives.”
Fewer children and increased class sizes, “lose-lose situation” By a former politician for children in Guernsey.
Although overall intake numbers have fallen, class sizes are now generally in line with those seen in the UK. The average admission class consists of approximately 24 students, and there is some variation between schools.
Montague dismissed concerns that this could impact children’s learning. He emphasized that in addition to experienced teaching staff, each class is supported by a learning support assistant.
“We have a number of incredibly good reception teachers in the settings, so we are confident that educational outcomes will still be very high,” he said.
long term planning
The changes reflect a broader demographic trend. Guernsey recorded 419 births in 2025; This figure is expected to be reflected in lower school students in the coming years.
Guernsey experiences “dramatic” fall in birth ratesIn 2024, 422 births were recorded.
The number of people born in Guernsey has fallen by 33 per cent in 10 years.
Guernsey’s birth rate per 1,000 people is 6.5, making it one of the lowest performing countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), just above South Korea.
Montague said the decline in student numbers will require careful long-term planning for both primary and secondary education.
A wider review of Guernsey’s educational opportunities is planned for next year.
“We will see fewer children,” he said. “This is an education issue about how we organize our estate, but it is also an issue for Guernsey more broadly.”
He added that the committee is taking a cautious approach to future reforms, focusing on evidence and long-term sustainability rather than quick fixes.
“We don’t want to rush things or make decisions that are only right for five years. We have to think through to the end,” he said.
While falling figures are expected to affect secondary schools in the future, Montague said the sector was now stable after years of reforms and progress was seen in the island’s three high schools.
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