PLANS to merge three Catholic schools into a new `voluntary grammar' in Co Down have finally been brought forward.
It is proposed that a 1,600 pupil co-educational school could open by September 2022 - a year later than hoped.
The amalgamation involves St Patrick's Grammar School, De La Salle High School and St Mary's High School in Downpatrick.
It has been in development for several years.
It was originally intended that it would involve four schools and include St Columba's College in Portaferry.
However, this was dropped after concerns were raised that the existing ferry service would not have the capacity to get all children to school on time.
A revised proposal was held up by a legal challenge.
Governors, staff, parents and pupils at St Patrick's expressed strong opposition.
A judicial review was dismissed last year. A judge rejected all grounds advanced, including claims that a consultation process had been unfair.
The proposed new school will retain academic selection for up to 40 per cent of children for whom it is not their nearest Catholic post-primary.
It will continue to operate on the three existing school sites "pending capital investment for a one site solution", the Education Authority said.
A case for change document outlining the rationale said the transformation of the three schools into one "is a very progressive step towards assuring breadth, depth and quality of educational provision for pupils".
"The new school would provide a full range of courses, particularly at post-16 and offer all pupils a much greater choice of subjects and learning experiences," it added.
"The level of cooperation and collaboration already in place amongst the Downpatrick schools would be further enhanced by the realisation of the amalgamation."
