18/07/2011

Final Roll Call For Two Primary Schools

Two Co Antrim primary schools are to close because of falling rolls.

The Sinn Fein Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has approved a proposal to close Lourdes Primary School, Whitehead: "I have agreed to the closure [because of] a decline in enrolments in recent years [that] has given rise to concern."

He said only 20 children were on the register for 2010/11.

"The Department of Education's budget can no longer manage to maintain unsustainable schools.

"Each school managing authority will have to closely examine schools for which they are responsible to ensure they are sustainable into the future.

"There are other alternative primary schools which have sufficient capacity to offer places to these pupils and I am confident that all those involved, including parents and school staff, will ensure a smooth transition for the children," he said, noting, "I would like to pay tribute to all those connected with Lourdes Primary School, who over many years, have shown their commitment and dedication to the school and its pupils."

Meanwhile, Braid Primary School has also seen a steady decline in its enrolments over a period of several years and is also to be closed down.

The Minister revealed the news and also said all those connected with Braid Primary School "have shown their commitment and dedication to the school and its pupils".

(BMcC/GK)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
01 February 2005
Child's play as Queen's medical students return to school
An innovative child health programme, which enables trainee doctors from Queen's University to teach basic healthcare to primary school children, has been launched today.
07 September 2016
NI Primary Schools Free To Prepare Pupils For Transfer Test
Primary schools in Northern Ireland are now free to prepare pupils for unregulated transfer tests. Education Minister Peter Weir reversed his decision which means schools can now support their pupils by supplying support materials and carry out preparation for tests during core teaching hours.
22 March 2007
Four east Lisburn primary schools to close
Education Minister, Maria Eagle, has announced that Charley Memorial Primary School, Drumbo Primary School, Hillhall Primary School and Lambeg Primary School will close at the end of August 2007.