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27/09/2006
County Tyrone high school to close
Teachers and parents have today hit out at the Education Minister's decision to approve the closure of St Joseph’s High School, Plumbridge in County Tyrone.
The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS), which has responsibility for the school, brought the proposal forward.
The school’s current enrolment is 86 pupils, with only 15 new pupils having enrolled on September 1.
Speaking earlier today, Education Minister Maria Eagle said: “I have considered fully all the arguments put forward both for and against the Development Proposal that St Joseph’s High school should be closed. First and foremost in my considerations is the educational welfare of the pupils. “As St Joseph's has been experiencing a continual decline in pupil numbers, I am concerned about the impact this is having on its ability to deliver the full curriculum effectively.”
The Minister added: “I know this decision will be a disappointment to many, but I also know that the pupils currently attending St Joseph’s High will transfer to nearby schools where there is surplus provision and where they can continue their education and enjoy the breadth of choice and opportunity they deserve.”
The school is expected to close at the end of this academic year.
(EF/SP)
The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS), which has responsibility for the school, brought the proposal forward.
The school’s current enrolment is 86 pupils, with only 15 new pupils having enrolled on September 1.
Speaking earlier today, Education Minister Maria Eagle said: “I have considered fully all the arguments put forward both for and against the Development Proposal that St Joseph’s High school should be closed. First and foremost in my considerations is the educational welfare of the pupils. “As St Joseph's has been experiencing a continual decline in pupil numbers, I am concerned about the impact this is having on its ability to deliver the full curriculum effectively.”
The Minister added: “I know this decision will be a disappointment to many, but I also know that the pupils currently attending St Joseph’s High will transfer to nearby schools where there is surplus provision and where they can continue their education and enjoy the breadth of choice and opportunity they deserve.”
The school is expected to close at the end of this academic year.
(EF/SP)
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