There are nine separate “development proposals” on the education minister’s desk at present, all concerning Catholic-managed schools.
The latest involves two secondary, non-grammar providers in rural Co Fermanagh.
In addition, John O’Dowd is considering plans for mergers and new school openings as well as a proposal to end 11-plus tests.
The plans for Fermanagh have been fine-tuned over the last few years. They involve three different but related proposals.
Education at both St Eugene’s College in Roslea and Comhghall’s College in Lisnaskea is to be “discontinued” at the end of this academic year.
Pupils from both schools, which are about 13 miles apart, will then attend a new 11 to 19 post-primary on the Lisnaskea site. It is likely to adopt a new name.
There had been plans to involve a third school in this reorganisation, but parents of St Aidan’s in Derrylin objected and put forward their own alternative to retain 11 to 16 schooling in the area.
The other proposals being considered by Mr O’Dowd include the closure of two secondary schools in Co Derry. They would then be replaced by a new 11 to 18 college for 850 pupils.
Elsewhere in the county, there is a proposal to end academic selection in one grammar school to make it all-abilities, increase pupil numbers at another school, and shut down a third.
Also this month, three schools became one in Co Armagh with the opening of St Ronan’s, just the second non-selective grammar school in the North.
Principal Michele Corkey says her vision is to develop an all-ability centre of excellence, rooted in the core values of service, equality and social justice. This, she says, will promote and develop the values of Catholic education.
“Pupils should have, through curriculum and pastoral provision, opportunities to explore many new experiences, making them more aware of their strengths, preparing them for the world of work by making informed judgements and equipping them with the skills to become lifelong, independent learners,” she said.