Highlands College and University College Jersey has formally requested new facilities from the States of Jersey, emphasizing the urgent need for modernization. The institution, which is the only provider of further and higher education in Jersey, has expressed concerns regarding its current estate, describing it as “outdated, inflexible, and no longer fit for purpose in many areas.”
Jo Terry-Marchant, principal of Highlands College and University College Jersey, described the college’s predicament. She laid out these concerns in an open letter to the new government. The college has gotten into trouble worrying about its limited capacity in its workshop spaces. Consequently, it is failing to serve the growing educational needs of local 14- to 16-year-old students. This demographic is a massive untapped learner market that would be more likely to take advantage of improved facilities.
The college’s current home has been deemed inadequate in a number of ways, including a failure to support modern pedagogical approaches. As a result, Highlands College is advocating for a “new, modern campus” that would allow it to better serve the community and adapt to evolving educational standards.
The letter underscores that the institution has filled the gap with a policy of “reactive repair”—unwilling or unable to make long-term investments in state of good repair. From the perspective of Terry-Marchant, modern workshops are essential. These workshops are key in getting students ready for the workforce of tomorrow and providing them with real-world skills.
“A new, modern campus is a strategic necessity,” the letter states, underlining the importance of investing in educational infrastructure to support the next generation of learners in Jersey.
