Board proposes to maintain grammar status at ‘smaller’ Cambridge House - Dunclug College gets bigger intake

The future provision of controlled Post Primary education in Ballymena, within the context of area planning, was once again on the Board’s agenda when they met on Tuesday

A statement, issued after the meeting, said that after extensive discussion and further engagement with Controlled Post Primary schools in Ballymena the following proposals had been agreed.

Cambridge House Grammar School will continue as a Controlled Grammar school. It is proposed that the enrolment number be reduced, in phases, to 800 by 2017.

Dunclug College’s enrolment number will be increased in phases, initially to 840, with further growth to 935 predicted by 2025.

Cullybackey College continue as an 11-19 school with an enrolment number of 700

The next step of the process will involve consultation with Cambridge House Grammar School on the proposal to reduce the enrolment number of the school and publication, within a few weeks, of a Development Proposal with respect to the growth of Dunclug College

A spokesperson said: “The Board recognises that the re-shaping of Controlled Post Primary provision in Ballymena is a complex process and would wish to thank all those who have taken the time to submit their views through consultation. The Board believes that the proposals for Controlled Post Primary Provision provide the opportunity to secure a network of sustainable schools which, as part of the Area Plan, can give young people access to appropriate educational opportunities”

The Board has already published, in September 2013, a Development Proposal to close Ballee Community High School from 31 August 2014, or as soon as possible thereafter. This has commenced a two month period of public consultation.