🔹Principal’s Update
Good morning, colleagues!
It certainly feels like autumn has arrived early this year — the wind is picking up and the leaves are starting to turn. I hope you’re all keeping warm and settling into the new term smoothly.
📚 Enrolment Highlights
We’re pleased to share some strong enrolment figures this year across our programmes:
- Full-Time Sixth Form (including Access): 806 students
- GCSE Re-takes (Maths & English): 486 students
- 14–16 Programme (Grainville & Haute Vallée): 168 students
While Apprenticeship numbers have dipped slightly, we still have around 400 learners engaged — a solid figure.
Adult & Community Education has seen a decrease from its peak of 600–700 per term to 430 this term, reflecting wider trends.
At UCJ, average group sizes are slightly down (9–10), but we’re excited to launch a new Accountancy and Business Degree, and Business Management numbers are up!
These shifts likely reflect the financial pressures many families are facing, with rising living costs impacting decisions around continuing education.
🏆 Pride of Jersey – Teacher of the Year
A gentle reminder to cast your votes for the Pride of Jersey Awards, especially for Teacher of the Year. We’re proud to have Kayleigh Goggin, Nicola Greber, and Zoe Mountford nominated by their students — a wonderful recognition of their dedication.
👉 Vote here: Homepage – Pride of Jersey
If any of our colleagues are shortlisted, I’ll be stepping aside from the judging panel to ensure fairness — I couldn’t possibly be unbiased!
🛡️ SLT Focus This Week
This week, the Senior Leadership Team will be focusing on:
- Safeguarding
- College Finance Report
We are currently forecasting a deficit, primarily due to part-time staffing costs not covered in the original budget. Despite spending less on staff overall this year, we’re still in an overspend position. We’ll be closely monitoring all costs and continuing discussions with Government around curriculum priorities and funding.
📘 Strategic Plan Engagement
As part of our Strategic Plan (2025–2029), we’ll be offering staff development sessions to explore what the plan means for you in your role. These will be informal, small-group discussions — a great opportunity to connect and share ideas.
🏛️ External Engagements
- I’ll be attending the Chamber of Commerce lunch this week as a guest of GR8, who support the Highlands Foundation. The Minister for Sustainable Economic Development will be speaking — a key opportunity to hear about developments in Learning and Skills.
- Kate Hobbs and Tony Tyrer are in talks with Jersey Electricity about launching an Academy for Low Carbon Technical Skills — an exciting collaboration with Government and industry.
🎓 Student Achievement Spotlight
We’ve seen some fantastic progress this year, especially among our Foundation Level One learners, with many achieving 100% success. These students often face significant challenges, so this is a huge achievement — well done to all involved!
🌿 Campus Improvements
On Friday, I toured the campus with Emily Jennings from Playful Spaces. She highlighted some low-cost opportunities to enhance our environment — something I’ll be exploring further with Rob Moy and the Estates team in 2026.
🏛️ Upcoming Visits
- I’ll be attending Scrutiny next week to discuss campus improvement plans.
- The Chief Minister will visit Highlands on Wednesday 25 September, from 12:30 to 2:00pm.
Take a walk. Even a short stroll around campus or your neighbourhood can help clear your mind, reduce stress, and boost your mood. Give yourself a moment to reset.
Wishing you a productive and positive week ahead. Wrap up warm and take care!
Best wishes,
Jo