THE Education Department was told there was no time to consult the public about student loans. Deputy minister Wendy Morgan said that public discussions, such as the ones organised in Jersey, had not been possible because Treasury and Resources was pushing for cutbacks.

‘We had the pressure of time, which they lack in Jersey. We were told we had to get on and do it as soon as possible.’

She said that an increase in university fees and in the number of students attending meant the situation had needed to be addressed urgently if the department was to remain in budget.

The States of Jersey recently released a consultation document on its future funding of higher education. There have also been workshops explaining the various options being proposed, one of which is a loan system.

Others discussed have been to readjust the contribution made by both parents and the States, restricting the number of students who are supported by introducing competitive entry and giving financial support only to certain courses.

‘We wanted to go into consultation regarding higher education because the issue concerns all islanders. The economy of the island depends on an educated workforce and we want as good an indigenous workforce as we can,’ said Senator Mike Vibert Jersey’s Education, Sport and Culture minister.

He said also that it was part of Jersey’s ministerial code of conduct to issue a consultation paper before any proposals are formulated wherever possible.

Deputy Morgan said the proposals had been discussed with parents and pupils.

‘We’ve already spoken to some sixth-form students at the Grammar School and their parents. Everyone I’ve spoken has accepted that student loans are inevitable.’

Former Ladies’ College pupil Holly Lindsay, 18, does not think the new system is inevitable and she has a petition signed by more than 1,000 people who agree with her.

Not only is she against the introduction of loans, but she said the department had announced their introduction at an inappropriate time.

Students had already accepted university placements by the time they received news of the proposals. Miss Lindsay thinks that had some known earlier, their decisions about their future would have been different.

Deputy Morgan did not agree. ‘I very, very much doubt anyone would have made a decision that was any different. Everyone I’ve spoken to has remained to be committed to their choice and accepting a place at university doesn’t mean that you’ve got to go.’