13 March 2026
Significant changes to the leadership structure of Jersey’s education system are being introduced to help schools work more closely together and respond to pressures such as declining pupil numbers, rising Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) demand and increasing financial challenges.
The changes follow a year-long review led by the Children, Young People, Education and Skills (CYPES) Interim Chief Officer, two seconded headteachers, and specialist advisers. The review involved extensive engagement with headteachers, deputy headteachers, education officers, the Parent Carer Forum, and colleagues in the UK.
As part of this work, school leaders were asked about the benefits of forming school partnerships. Eighty-seven per cent of headteachers and 88% of deputy headteachers supported the idea.
Based on this strong support and with agreement from the States Employment Board the Department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills (CYPES) will launch a two-year trial of formal school partnerships across all non-fee-paying schools.
Fee-paying colleges, Hautlieu, special schools, and Highlands College will continue close collaboration but will not join the new structure.
How the partnership model will work
Schools will be grouped into four partnerships: East, West, and two Town groups. They will be based on existing secondary school catchment areas and their feeder primary schools.
Each partnership will be supported by a newly created Partnership Lead, who will work with headteachers to share expertise, staffing, and resources to benefit all pupils.
Recruitment for these four Partnership Lead roles is being overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission and open to headteachers and former headteachers now working in the Government of Jersey.
These changes will be delivered at no additional cost, funded through a reorganisation of Central Education leadership roles.
Benefits for schools and families
The new model is designed to help schools:
- make better use of staff and funding
- reduce workload for teaching and support teams
- offer more training and development opportunities
- strengthen curriculum planning
- provide more consistent support for students and families
Evidence from other jurisdictions shows that structured school partnerships improve professional development and lead to better outcomes for children.
Responding to SEND review findings
The changes also directly address the recent independent SEND review, which found strong inclusive practice across many schools but highlighted the need for more consistent leadership, clearer strategy, and greater system-wide coherence. The partnership model aims to strengthen collaboration and ensure high-quality inclusive practice in every school.
Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, Deputy Rob Ward, said: “These changes mark a significant moment for Jersey’s education system. By introducing formal partnerships, we are strengthening the way our schools work together so that every child benefits from the collective expertise, resources, and dedication across the Island. Our schools are facing complex pressures from changing demographics to rising needs and they cannot face these challenges in isolation.
“I want to thank the Interim Chief Officer for leading this work with the seconded headteachers, the many school leaders, teachers, and colleagues who have contributed to these changes. Their insight and commitment to doing what is right for our children and young people has been invaluable.”
CYPES Interim Chief Officer, Keith Posner, said: “Our headteachers and school communities have been clear about the value of deeper collaboration, and this new structure reflects that shared ambition. With fewer children entering the school system, growing demand for specialist support, and increasing budget pressures, schools need stronger structures to work collectively.
“This partnership model will help us to support staff more consistently, develop stronger pathways for professional growth, and provide better outcomes for children and families. I am incredibly grateful to the school leaders, officers, and colleagues who have contributed their insight and experience throughout this process.”
Carl Howarth, former President of NAHT Jersey, added: “Formal school partnerships are an important and positive step toward strengthening high-quality education for every child in Jersey. Deepening collaboration across schools will help school leaders respond to rising needs, support staff more effectively, and deliver consistent, high-standard and cost-effective provision across the Island. NAHT Jersey welcomes the intention behind these changes and looks forward to being a constructive partner in evaluating the impact of this pilot for the benefit of our schools, our pupils, and the strength and stability of education across our Island."
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