Moving with your family to a new home can be stressful, particularly when looking for schools. This page is a useful guide on education in Jersey, from nursery schools to higher education. For more information about moving to Jersey please see Living and Working in Jersey or contact a member of the team on +44(0)1534 440604 or email locatejersey@gov.je
The Education System
Jersey values high standards of education and offers a range of schools across the Island. The Island’s GCSE and A level results are consistently equal to the upper quartile of the UK education authorities.
Children are offered a school place at the beginning of the school year in which their fifth birthday falls.
There are three types of schools in Jersey:
- free Government of Jersey schools
- fee-paying Government of Jersey schools
- private fee-paying schools (fees can be as little as a third of those in the UK).
The Jersey Curriculum is designed to ensure children and young people grow and learn as well-educated citizens of our Island and the world. The curriculum is based on the National Curriculum in England but adapted to reflect the Island’s unique heritage and environment, and the needs of the local economy.
Primary School Level
Nursery and Reception pupils are assessed using the Jersey Foundation Stage Profile.
In Years 2 to 6, the progress each pupil makes is assessed by teachers every term, including a CAT test in Year 5.
Secondary School Level
Secondary school assessments can include:
- CATs
- GCSEs
- AS
- A2s
- the International Baccalaureate
- vocational qualifications (such as BTECs and GNVQs).
More detailed information is available by following the Links at the bottom of this page.
Choosing a School
Pre-School/Nursery
Jersey has a range of private and free pre-school nurseries. A complete overview of all nurseries and kindergartens can be accessed through the Jersey Childcare Trust. The Trust are a charity focused on the provision of childcare services. A selection of schools also provide pre-school services. We have a list of these schools available on request.
All children are eligible for up to 20 hours of free, Government-funded nursery education in the school year that they turn 4 years old.
Registering and applying for a nursery place is a 2-step process:
- register your interest in a particular nursery
- complete an application form (these are sent to you in the year your child is set to begin nursery).
Catchment areas do not apply for nursery places. You can apply to any nursery school on the Island, and you can register for a place at any time. Allocation is based on the registration date so the earlier you apply the more chance you have of securing a place in your preferred nursery.
To register your interest, you must fill out a ‘Register Your Interest’ form and send it to your first-choice nursery school. This can be submitted by email, post or in person. You can list more than one nursey but only complete one form. The registration form can be found by following the Links at the bottom of this page.
After you have registered your interest with a school an Application Form will be sent to you. This will be during the year your child is due to begin nursery. Complete this form and submit it to your first-choice nursery. The information you provide will be given to the Children, Young People, Education and Skills (CYPES) team who allocate nursery places. Allocation takes place in March.
Further information is available by following the Links at the bottom of this page.
Primary School
Non-fee-paying
Jersey’s 22 non-fee-paying primary schools operate by catchment area and availability. Details of all schools are available on request.
To find your local non-fee-paying primary school, contact Jersey’s Education Department on +44(0)1534 445504 and education@gov.je or you can find more information by following the Links at the bottom of this page.
Fee-paying
Jersey has 9 fee-paying primary schools. Details are available upon request.
Secondary Education
Non-fee-paying
There are a total of 7 non-fee-paying schools on the Island. Allocation of places is based on catchment area. Each school welcomes both boys and girls.
For more information contact Jersey’s Education department on
+44(0)1534 445504 or education@gov.je
Fee-paying
Details of Jersey’s 4 fee-paying Secondary Schools are available upon request. These schools are either for all boys or all girls however some classes can be shared amongst the 4 schools.
Higher Education
Degree-level education is available on the Island for a selection of qualifications.
Highlands College (16+) and University College Jersey (18+) deliver a range of qualifications through partnerships with Plymouth University and London South Bank University. For more information visit Highlands College or call +44(0)1534 608608 or email info@highland.ac.uk
Additionally, the Jersey Institute of Law offers on-Island law degrees and higher-level accountancy. Similar qualifications are also available through on-Island training providers.
The Island also offers a 2-year Digital Leadership program. The program teaches skills required to create entrepreneurs and leaders of the future.
Useful Links
“We looked at other jurisdictions...Jersey was the only place that could offer us the lifestyle as well as excellent schools...I have to say that we certainly haven’t been disappointed by the excellent on-island education our children are now enjoying. The schools really are as good as we’d hoped they would be and more.”
Sarah Garrood (Partner, Maven Partners)
For more information on the Jersey education system and schools, please email us at locatejersey@gov.je or contact a member of the team. Find more information about moving to Jersey in our key information pages Living and Working in Jersey’or use the button below.