School says fee rise is not enough to cover costs

A states-owned fee paying school in Jersey has said a planned increase in its fees will not be enough to cover operational costs.

Victoria College, an all-boys school for students aged 11-18, will increase its fees by 3.8% to £2,989 per term from September. But in a letter to parents and carers, chair of the governors Susana Rowles said the increase would leave the college "operating at a deficit".

Jersey College For Girls and its two prep schools said they would also be increasing fees by the same percentage.

The fee levels have been set by Minister for Education Rob Ward and the Minister for Treasury and Resources Elaine Millar.

In the letter, Rowles said: "Over the coming months, a period of financial restraint will therefore be necessary as we work to place the school on a more sustainable financial footing for this and following years.

"We will do all we can to mitigate the impact of this situation on our provision to our students, however, some compromises will inevitably be required."

The increased funds forecast an additional income of £81,000 for 2026 and £241,000 for 2027, the ministerial document said. Both colleges receive funding from the Government of Jersey in addition to private fees.

Rowles said Victoria College would be working with the Children, Young People, Education and Skills department to "identify any additional funding sources that can be used to cover specific unfunded spending requirements resulting from this decision".

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