04/12/2025
Education Minister Opens New £16.5m Elmgrove Primary School
Education Minister Paul Givan has officially opened the brand new £16.5 million Elmgrove Primary School building, marking a significant investment in the local community and education infrastructure.
The comprehensive new-build project delivers a state-of-the-art learning environment, comprising:
• 21 Classrooms
• Four Specialist SEN (Special Educational Needs) Rooms with supporting accommodation
• A dedicated Nurture room
• Modern school meal facilities
• Extensive outdoor play areas
• A standalone double Nursery unit
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister Givan hailed the development: "This is a great day for everyone at Elmgrove Primary School and the wider community. The new school building blends modern facilities with respect for the school's local heritage." He emphasised the value of the investment: "It represents a significant investment of over £16.5 million. That is an investment, which not only gives us this superb building, but one that helps to give current and future pupils the best possible start."
The Minister asserted that the modern setting brings "tangible change to daily school life," ensuring that teachers, staff, and pupils have an environment where children can "learn and flourish."
Construction on the new school began in March 2021 and was completed in January 2025.
Jayne Jeffers, Principal of Elmgrove Primary School, described the event as a "significant milestone," noting that the new facilities provide "a modern, inclusive, and inspiring environment for learning."
The Principal added that the new building is not just an educational facility but "represents a meaningful investment in the local area." She anticipates that the flexible spaces will eventually serve as a resource for the wider community, offering opportunities for events, activities, and partnerships. She concluded: "The whole school community is immensely proud to celebrate the official opening of this wonderful building and we look forward to the opportunities it will provide for generations to come."
The comprehensive new-build project delivers a state-of-the-art learning environment, comprising:
• 21 Classrooms
• Four Specialist SEN (Special Educational Needs) Rooms with supporting accommodation
• A dedicated Nurture room
• Modern school meal facilities
• Extensive outdoor play areas
• A standalone double Nursery unit
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister Givan hailed the development: "This is a great day for everyone at Elmgrove Primary School and the wider community. The new school building blends modern facilities with respect for the school's local heritage." He emphasised the value of the investment: "It represents a significant investment of over £16.5 million. That is an investment, which not only gives us this superb building, but one that helps to give current and future pupils the best possible start."
The Minister asserted that the modern setting brings "tangible change to daily school life," ensuring that teachers, staff, and pupils have an environment where children can "learn and flourish."
Construction on the new school began in March 2021 and was completed in January 2025.
Jayne Jeffers, Principal of Elmgrove Primary School, described the event as a "significant milestone," noting that the new facilities provide "a modern, inclusive, and inspiring environment for learning."
The Principal added that the new building is not just an educational facility but "represents a meaningful investment in the local area." She anticipates that the flexible spaces will eventually serve as a resource for the wider community, offering opportunities for events, activities, and partnerships. She concluded: "The whole school community is immensely proud to celebrate the official opening of this wonderful building and we look forward to the opportunities it will provide for generations to come."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.

