News

Secondary education overhaul to see school mergers and closures

Government policy
A major overhaul of secondary education in Northern Ireland is to see schools shut and merged. Others that are under threat of closure will be allowed to stay open.

Education minister John O’Dowd made decisions on a series of proposals relating to non-selective, post-primary schools catering for about 3,500 pupils. 

Seven schools in east and south Belfast will undergo some change.

Orangefield High School, which is struggling with poor examination achievements, pupil numbers and attendance, will be shut down. The nearby Newtownbreda and Knockbreda High Schools will amalgamate, initially on a split site.

Dundonald High School, which was due to shut down, has instead received a stay of execution. Priory Integrated College in Holywood will be allowed to increase its numbers.

A similar plan to create extra space for pupils at Ashfield Girls’ and Boys’ schools will not proceed, however.

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