Number of classes at d'Auvergne School
This content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost, therefore it should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments. Please see the PDF for the official version of the document.
WQ.220/2026
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING
BY DEPUTY M.B. ANDREWS OF ST. HELIER NORTH
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 19th OCTOBER 2026
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 26th OCTOBER 2026
Question
"Will the Minister advise whether d'Auvergne School is currently operating below capacity and, if so, why this is the case and whether there are any plans to increase the number of classes from two to three in each year group?"
Answer
D'Auvergne is operating below its physical capacity as a result of the decline in births across the Island since 2012, as reported in the Birt hs and Breastfeeding Profile 2024, see chart below from the Report.
The number of children attending Government of Jersey primary schools has reduced by 9% (584 children), from 6,605 in the 2018/19 academic year to 6,021 in the 2025/26 academic year i. As a result, most year groups at d'Auvergne now operate with two classes rather than three.
The additional accommodation available within the school is being used to support other educational priorities. This includes hosting the Play and Learn at d'Auvergne pilot, delivered in partnership with the Jersey Child Care Trust, which provides nursery provision for 2 to 3-year-olds, as well as additional specialist provision for school aged children.
Allocation of classes per school and per year group are reviewed on an annual basis in line with demand. There are no plans to increase the number of classes from two to three in each year group currently.
The Minister has a duty to ensure that there is available to every child of compulsory school age full-time education appropriate to the child's age, ability and aptitude. The Minister is also required to ensure the provision of efficient education or the efficient use of resourcesii.
i Schools, pupils and their characteristics ii Education (Jersey) Law 1999