Investing in learning, skills, and youth facilities – building futures for Jersey

Statement by Deputy Rob Ward, Minister for Education

Education is the foundation of opportunity, wellbeing, and community life in Jersey. From a child’s first steps into nursery to a young adult’s transition into work or further study, our schools, colleges, and youth services shape not only academic outcomes but the future of our Island.

Yet too many of our educational and youth spaces are no longer fit for purpose. Ageing school buildings, a stretched Highlands campus, and outdated youth facilities are holding back the potential of our learners. If we are serious about keeping talent on-Island and preparing the next generation for the challenges ahead, we must invest now.

Modern schools for every child

Many of Jersey’s public schools were built decades ago and no longer meet the standards required for modern teaching, accessibility, or sustainability. That’s why, through the Investing in Jersey programme, we will begin a phased refurbishment of all schools – starting with those in the poorest condition.

This includes a new primary school at Gas Place to replace two ageing schools and one specialist provision, offering families in town access to high-quality facilities, and a full redevelopment of Rouge Bouillon School, with new accommodation to support better teaching and community use.

These are not just construction projects – they are investments in environments where teachers can inspire, and children can thrive.

A new campus for Higher and Further Education

Jersey’s prosperity depends on a skilled, adaptable workforce. Highlands College has served us well, but its facilities and location limit the scale and diversity of courses we can offer. We are proposing a new Higher and Further Education campus in the heart of St Helier. This will:

• Provide modern, flexible spaces for academic, technical, and vocational learning
• Strengthen partnerships between education and employers in key sectors such as health, construction, finance, and hospitality
• Improve accessibility for students across the Island and contribute to the vibrancy of St Helier.

Relocating the campus will also unlock the Highlands site for affordable family housing – supporting wider social and economic goals.

Youth Facilities that inspire confidence

Youth services are essential to the wellbeing of our young people. They offer safe spaces to connect, explore, and seek support. But many of our facilities are outdated, and in some areas – like St Helier Central – there are none at all.

We will deliver:

• A new community-based Youth Centre for children and young people in town
• A new home for the Youth Enquiry Service (YES), providing advice, support, and counselling
• Modern, welcoming spaces at the Ann Street site, co-designed with young people to ensure relevance, inclusivity, and accessibility.

A legacy of opportunity

These projects will take time. Each will go through careful design, consultation, and planning. But with the Jersey Capital Investment Fund, we have the financial certainty to commit to them for the long term.

By refurbishing schools, creating a new campus, and building modern youth facilities, we are investing in more than infrastructure – we are investing in our people, their skills, and the future of Jersey.

With Investing in Jersey, we will ensure every child and young person grows up with access to inspiring places to learn, develop, and thrive – and with every reason to build their future here, at home in Jersey.

Read more: Investing In Jersey: 2026 to 2050