THREE small Catholic primary schools on the outskirts of
Derry are to be merged from next year.
Education minister John O'Dowd yesterday approved a proposal to amalgamate Craigbrack, Listress and Mullabuoy Primary Schools. The three-into-one plan was included in a draft area plan published by the Western Education and Library Board last year.
The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) had consulted on a proposal "to provide a new build solution" to service the needs of the three schools, on the outskirts of Derry city.
At present, the three schools educate children living in and around the Drumahoe and Eglinton areas.
The minimum enrolment threshold for detailed in the Department of Education's Sustainable Schools Policy is 105.
Numbers have been in decline in the area for some years. Craigbrack PS had 99 pupils as recently as 2009 but this dropped to just 24 last year. Listress had just 30 children last year while Mullabuoy had 96.
The plan is that the new amalgamated school will be established from September 1, 2015. "The amalgamation will meet parental demand and ensure a broad, balanced curriculum in one viable and sustainable school. This proposal is considered to be the best solution for securing high quality education now and into the future," Mr O'Dowd said.