Northern Ireland

Dozens of schools earmarked for closure

The EA's new action plan has named schools where "sustainability is an issue"
The EA's new action plan has named schools where "sustainability is an issue" The EA's new action plan has named schools where "sustainability is an issue"

DOZENS of schools have been told they could be considered for closure or amalgamation due to "sustainability" issues.

The Education Authority (EA) has published its annual action plan, which identifies 70 different "work streams" across nursery, primary, post-primary and special schools.

Even though schools are identified, there is no guarantee that they will experience any change. The words closure or amalgamation are not used in the document at all. In addition, any changes to any school would require a development proposal from the managing authority.

It is the second such exercise undertaken by the EA, and many named schools also appeared in last year's plan - although no action was taken in most cases.

Two schools - St Brigid's, Augher and St Matthew's, Garvaghey have been approved for closure.

The EA said its new plan included schools where sustainability is an issue but, also, some that are sustainable "as it is these schools that may form part of the solution to sustainability issues in the area".

The document also makes recommendations for decreasing enrolment numbers at some schools or awarding extra places elsewhere.

It also suggests reviewing SEN provision or establishing learning support and autism specific provision at some schools.

In Derry City, the plan shows, there will be a consultation on options in the Catholic sector by March 2019. No schools are named.

A similar exercise is to be carried out in the Newry/Banbridge area.

The plan has also named two large Catholic primary schools in Ballymena - St Brigid's and St Colmcille's - saying there is a need to "ensure school places are located as required and address school provision where sustainability is an issue". Both have close to 400 pupils. The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools is expected to "develop options to deal with growth" in the area by next year.

In Belfast, the plan notes that the governors of Campbell College are to consult on a decrease to its admissions number.

Elsewhere, Ashfield Boys and the Boys' and Girls' Model Schools are to seek extra places.

The EA said the purpose of area planning was to ensure that all children had access to high quality education "delivered in schools that are educationally and financially sustainable".

"The challenge that faces education in relation to area planning is that we have many schools that are too small to adequately provide pupils with access to a broad and balanced curriculum, extensive extracurricular activities and high-quality pastoral care," said EA Director of Education John Collings.

"In many areas of Northern Ireland there are too many school places for the size of the population, while in other areas, there are not enough places. It may also be the case that there are not enough school places of the right type – perhaps demand for integrated or Irish-medium education isn't being met in a particular area.

"Area planning seeks solutions to these issues to ensure all pupils have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Some areas may have relatively simple solutions such as increasing the enrolment number of a school, while other areas may require amalgamations, change of school management type, or sharing of resources. All local solutions will of course be subject to full consultation."

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Schools for which "sustainability is an issue" according to the EA:

St Macnissius' PS, Tannaghmore

Straid PS, Ballyclare

Tír na nÓg PS, Ballyclare

Movilla High School, Newtownards

St Columba’s College, Portaferry

Derryhale PS, Portadown

Mullavilly PS, Tandragee

Foley PS, Armagh

St Michael’s PS (Clady), Armagh

Drumsallen PS, Armagh

Brownlow Controlled Integrated College, Craigavon

Barnish PS, Ballycastle

Ballyhackett PS, Castlerock

Bellarena PS, Limavady

Coleraine College

Dunluce HS, Bushmills

North Coast IC, Coleraine

Erganagh PS, Castlederg

St John the Baptist PS, Carrenbeg

Laurelhill CC, Lisburn

Lisnagarvey HS, Lisburn

Ballytrea PS, Stewartstown

Coagh PS

Stewartstown PS

Desertmartin PS

Aughnacloy PS

Lisfearty PS, Dungannon

Churchtown PS, Cookstown

Culnady PS, Maghera

St Brigid’s PS, Ballymena

St Colmcille’s PS, Ballymena

Fourtowns PS, Ahoghill

Groggan PS, Randalstown

Longstone PS, Ahoghill

Upper Ballyboley PS, Ballyclare

Kirkinriola PS, Ballymena

Annsborough Controlled Integrated PS

Castlewellan PS

Blackwater Integrated College, Downpatrick

The High School, Ballynahinch