🔹Principal’s Update

Good morning colleagues,

I hope you all had a restful weekend, despite the wet and windy weather! On a personal note, I completed my practice abseil down Noirmont Point Bunker—which was both scary and exhilarating. Unfortunately, the planned Gorey Castle abseil was postponed due to the weather, but Dementia Jersey hopes to reschedule for October. Photos to follow soon!

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Key Events & Visits

 

Chief Minister’s Visit – Thursday

This Thursday, we welcome Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham to the College from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. He will be discussing the “Investing in Jersey” plan, which includes the exciting proposal for a new Highlands College campus. We’ll be touring the campus and exploring this vision in more detail with the Senior Leadership Team.

 

BBC Interview

This afternoon, I was interviewed by the BBC about the new campus – covering our preferred development site, the current state of our buildings, and the positive impact a new campus could have on providing skilled workers for Jersey. Keep an eye out for Where We Featured in our next bulletin to hear my interview.

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Strategic Advisory Group for Education

Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll attend the Strategic Advisory Group for Education alongside other CYPES leaders. The agenda includes the work programme for seconded Head Teachers and a discussion on demographic trends, such as falling birthrates and their impact on schools and colleges.

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Staff Development & Training

 

Staff Development Sessions – Wednesday

Thank you to everyone signing up for this week’s staff development sessions. I’ll be attending the “Do it Profiler” session with Zoe Mountford. This links to our recent discussions with the Education Service at HMP La Moye, where we’re exploring training on neurodiversity and potential access to the “Do it Profiler” for baseline assessments. While their education budget is limited, we hope to include their staff in our sessions where possible, maximizing the impact of our resources.

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College Operations & Projects

 

Maintenance & Facilities

On Wednesday, I have a private briefing with the Children’s Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Committee, focusing on ongoing maintenance works, which will continue into 2026. Unfortunately, scaffolding will remain a feature as we carry out essential roof repairs and other improvements.

 

Campus Usage & Safeguarding

Last week, I chaired a site users group meeting with colleagues from La Passerelle, Skills Jersey, the Jersey Music Instrumental Service, and the Inclusion Team. Our campus is busier than ever, especially with more young people accessing services. This is a positive use of our space, but it does present challenges around safeguarding, parking, and facilities.

I’ve asked Ben Smith and Estates, with Rob Moy, to look at increasing green field access for La Passerelle students with high needs. It’s important we share our limited green space to support all students’ well-being.

 

Student Lanyards – Safeguarding Reminder

Please continue to remind students, especially male students, to wear their lanyards at all times for safeguarding. It’s vital we know who is on site and ensure everyone’s safety.

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Leadership & Succession Planning

We are now moving into stages four and five of our Succession Planning Project. Last term, 26 colleagues had one-to-ones about their interest in promotion or role changes, and 27 critical roles have been identified (eight in support services, the rest academic). As part of your PRAs, please focus on your future aspirations and training needs. Those interested in critical roles will work on identifying and addressing any skills gaps.

Stuart Philip and I are developing a plan for these roles and for broader leadership development, including opportunities for work shadowing, workshops, coaching, and other staff development activities.

A separate review panel with clear terms of reference will oversee the Succession Plan Project, ensuring staff voices are heard. I’ll share the TOR by email and encourage feedback.

 

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Further Updates

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Looking Ahead

This week, the Senior Leadership Team will focus on staff and human resources, picking up actions from last year’s staff survey. We’ve invited wider staff participation to discuss next steps.

Thank you all for your continued dedication and teamwork. Let’s have a great week.

Best wishes,

Jo