Education key to ageing workforce gap says principal

A retiring Jersey school principal has urged politicians to focus on the future of education to tackle employment issues caused by the island's ageing demographic.

A PwC report from 2025 warned of an escalating skills shortage emphasised by ageing populations and low birth rates across the Channel Islands.

Highlands College Principal, Jo Terry-Marchant, who is set to retire after more than 35 years in education, said tackling the issue was a "challenge" for the island.

"Education is absolutely vital to the health of society, you can judge the health of a society by its education system, so it's got to be the top priority," she said.

Terry-Marchant said a focus on further education could help tackle employment issues caused by an ageing demographic.

"You need to upskill and reskill people at whatever age in their lifelong learning trajectory, with a strong focus on the stakeholders, the parents, the students, their wants and needs," she said.

"That's got to be top of every government agenda because we often talk about the costs and taxpayers need a return on their investment, but we also need to talk about the fact that education is an investment in our future.

"So it's so important that it's well considered and there's a clear, long‑term vision for education and training in Jersey."

Terry‑Marchant said ageing demographics had been an issue in island schools, but the problem also presented opportunities.

"How can the schools work together as a connected system to bring about inclusion, open up opportunities?" she said.

"When you decide to do A Levels or vocational education it shouldn't be one institution or another, the access should be open.

"You should be able to choose whatever the type of education you want within a supported and high quality environment."

Terry‑Marchant who is set to retire at the end of the school year said she was "immensely proud" of her work in education.

"We have 5,000 people enrolled in this college every year, and we really change lives in such a positive way," she said.

"I see it every day when I walk around the college, but I also see it at graduation ceremonies, award ceremonies, apprenticeships, all walks of life really.

"You meet people who have trained or studied at Highlands College and have made a success out of their lives."

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