SARK’S new head teacher will be getting a 35% pay rise after concern about the low salary was expressed by applicants for the post. Education Committee president Dennis Hurden told Chief Pleas that of five people shortlisted, three had withdrawn their application on learning of the salary, while those interviewed had expressed concern about the low figure.

Mr Hurden said that the current rate was about £18,500, along with a rent-free house. He added that the applicants were currently on UK salaries of double that and more.

He said that the island was running a serious risk of finding no one suitable who would accept the job at the current pay scale and proposed that the rate be increased to £25,000 a year, with corresponding increases for the two teachers.

‘We run the risk of losing them as well if we don’t do something about this,’ said Mr Hurden.

The increase will apply from when the new head takes up the post in September and will cost £5,730 for the remainder of the year.

Mr Hurden said that to offset the cost, his committee was willing to defer the purchase of some of the new computers and technology infrastructure the new school would need – thus providing a ‘saving’ of about £14,000.

The new technology, which was the subject of a four-page report to the assembly, would provide a range of advantages to Sark’s pupils, the committee said.

Among other things, it would allow for video-linked lessons with other schools, give pupils access to specialised subject teachers and peer group online discussion and allow the development of computer skills.

Chief Pleas approved both the salary increases and the reduced number of computers without much discussion.

It also acknowledged the need for a ‘comprehensive policy for ICT learning’ at the school.