Something New

Castle Rushen High School

Castle Rushen High School has been recognised for years as a building that no longer meets the needs of its students or staff. Reports have described the current facilities as below modern standards, and the community has waited far too long for meaningful progress. The failed tender process, ongoing design revisions, and lack of clear timelines have left families, teachers, and young people without certainty. This is not acceptable.

As a candidate for the House of Keys, I am committed to ensuring that the new CRHS build moves from delay to delivery. My approach is based on transparency, accountability, and a clear plan of action.

My commitments:

Put student welfare at the centre of decision‑making. The condition of CRHS is not just an infrastructure issue; it is a matter of educational quality, safety, and wellbeing. Every stage of the project must reflect that priority.

Demand clarity and publishable timelines. Government must set and publicly commit to three key dates:

• the relaunch of the tender process

• the appointment of a contractor

• the start of construction

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These milestones will allow the public to track progress and hold decision‑makers to account.

Ensure full transparency on design and cost revisions. The community deserves to see the updated plans, the revised cost envelope, and the procurement strategy. This prevents drift and ensures the project is realistic and deliverable.

Introduce regular public progress reporting. Quarterly updates will keep the project visible and prevent it from slipping into silence. This is how major public builds should be managed.

Secure interim improvements for current students. While the new school is being prepared, the existing CRHS must receive the support and maintenance required to keep students safe and supported.

Champion a procurement process that works. The first tender attracted no bids. That cannot happen again. I will push for a procurement model that is clear, viable, and attractive to contractors, ensuring the project finally moves forward.

The new Castle Rushen High School is not just a building project. It is a promise to our young people that their education matters. I will work tirelessly to ensure that promise is kept.