Highlands Courses Reinstated After Outcry

Friday, 1 April 2022 11:55

Two final year courses at Highlands College, that were cancelled, have been reinstated following an outcry from affected students and parents.

The government says the decision to pull them was made following a review of application numbers by the College Senior Leadership Team.

It has now granted a one-off subsidy to run them for 2022-2023.

"The College’s Principal was working with the Education Minister and the Government to try and keep the programme open.

The College has now written to the students affected and has pledged to work with the Government to design a more sustainable funding model for higher education on Island. The senior team at Highlands College and UCJ have offered thanks to the Minister for his ongoing support." - Government of Jersey spokesperson.

Children and Education Minister Deputy Scott Wickenden told States members earlier this week that he was made aware late last week of this issue.

He then met staff at Highlands College with the aim of finding a resolution.

Before the courses were reinstated, one affected student told Channel 103 she was devastated and felt left in the dark by the decision.

"A lot of us cried. I did, I couldn't keep it in because the issue is this is our future.

We're all wanting to be educated to get into jobs, important roles in Jersey, and just having that ripped away from us from devastating."

After it was reinstated, she told Channel 103 she was 'very relieved.'