02/08/2006
Glenarm primary school to close
The government has today approved the North Eastern Education and Library Board's proposal for the closure of a primary school in County Antrim.
Glenarm Primary School, which has the capacity for 76 pupils, currently only has an enrolment of 20 students, with no new applications for Primary One in September.
Commenting on the decision, Education Minister, Maria Eagle, said: "I understand this school has played an important role in the village for a number of years. "However, this must be balanced against demographic changes and the associated demand in the area.
"I have considered carefully the comments and representations made on the proposal. Given the current enrolment of 20, and no additional pupils enrolled for September, I do not believe that the position of the school is sustainable, nor is it in the best educational interests of the children."
She continued: "We have thousands of empty desks in classrooms across Northern Ireland and this is set to rise further. It is vital that all children are given the best possible start to life and that is why Professor Sir George Bain has been appointed to undertake a strategic review of education.
"Before announcing this decision, I received assurances that the North Eastern Education and Library Board has arrangements in place to communicate the decision to the parents of pupils at Glenarm, and to arrange places at other local schools for their children in September."
(EF)
Glenarm Primary School, which has the capacity for 76 pupils, currently only has an enrolment of 20 students, with no new applications for Primary One in September.
Commenting on the decision, Education Minister, Maria Eagle, said: "I understand this school has played an important role in the village for a number of years. "However, this must be balanced against demographic changes and the associated demand in the area.
"I have considered carefully the comments and representations made on the proposal. Given the current enrolment of 20, and no additional pupils enrolled for September, I do not believe that the position of the school is sustainable, nor is it in the best educational interests of the children."
She continued: "We have thousands of empty desks in classrooms across Northern Ireland and this is set to rise further. It is vital that all children are given the best possible start to life and that is why Professor Sir George Bain has been appointed to undertake a strategic review of education.
"Before announcing this decision, I received assurances that the North Eastern Education and Library Board has arrangements in place to communicate the decision to the parents of pupils at Glenarm, and to arrange places at other local schools for their children in September."
(EF)
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