Decisions Made On East Belfast Schools

Education Minister John O'Dowd has made decisions on seven schools in the east Belfast area.

Dundonald High School is to stay open, despite threats of its closure, while Orangefield High School will shut, under the new proposals.

The decisions relate to non-selective post-primary schools that cater for around 3,500 pupils.

Newtownbreda and Knockbreda High Schools will be amalgamated under the new proposals, while the admission and enrolment numbers of Ashfield Boys’ and Ashfield Girls’ High Schools will not be extended.

Increased enrolment of 500 pupils and a Year 8 admissions number of 100 pupils at Priory Integrated College has also been allowed.

Mr O'Dowd made the announcement in a statement to the Assembly this morning.

He said: "The issues addressed in these proposals have clearly highlighted the need for area planning and, in particular, the need for managing authorities to co-ordinate and bring forward linked development proposals.

"Since the start of the area planning process, I have been clear that the challenge is to put the pupil at the centre of the decision-making process. The focus must be on pupils rather than institutions. The young people of east Belfast deserve a quality education; they deserve the opportunity to fulfil their potential in school; and they deserve the chance to make the most of the life opportunities available to them."

Alliance MP Naomi Long said: "The decision to close Orangefield High School is a sad one for current and former pupils and staff; however, it was important that a decision about the future was taken quickly. There appears to be some uncertainty regarding whether pupils will transfer directly to Ashfield as previously proposed and this needs to be clarified as the focus must now be on the smooth transition for the pupils, particularly those in key exam years, into their new school setting.

"However, I am delighted that Dundonald High School will now be kept open. There would have been an unbearable strain placed on east Belfast's post-primary schools had both been closed as originally planned. I would like to pay tribute to the acting principal, staff, pupils and local community who have campaigned to retain Dundonald. There will be a lot of hard work required to secure its long-term future, but we have been given the chance to turn things around and, given the significant improvements we have already seen, coupled with the clear commitment of parents, there is now real hope for the future. The Minister was clearly impressed by that when I met him in the autumn to discuss the school's future and I believe he has made a good decision in this case."

The Ulster Unionist Party’s East Belfast MLA Michael Copeland commented: "I warmly welcome the decision to reprieve Dundonald High School, and I know that my sense of relief will be shared by the pupils, parents and teachers who comprise the school community.

"There is no doubt that Dundonald High School has had a difficult time, but having witnessed the reaction of the local community once closure was mooted, I am confident that the will and determination exists to implement the changes necessary to turn things around and to ensure that the school can flourish and deliver high quality teaching and learning and in so doing raise the achievement and expectation of the young people of Dundonald."

(IT/CD)