Wallace Prep faces closure amid concerns of ‘flawed’ consultation

Wallace Prep Department is considered to be a feeder co-ed primary school for Wallace High with parents paying four-figure sums for their children to attend as private pupils.

However, the Wallace institution, which opened in 1880 could be set to shut down the Prep with reports of dwindling numbers and new high costs.

A spokesperson from the Wallace Prep parents’ group spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service saying: “The closure of Wallace Prep would be a devastating blow to the local educational landscape.

“It would displace pupils and create an unsustainable surge in demand for places at other Lisburn schools, which are already stretched to capacity.

“Crucially, closing the Prep Department would not only disrupt these children’s education, but would also add significantly to the existing financial pressures on the Education Authority.

"At a time when the EA is already facing a multi-million-pound deficit, the cost of absorbing our pupils into the maintained sector and finding alternative SEN provision would be an entirely avoidable and unnecessary burden on the public purse.”

The school website shows student figures at 1,160 for Wallace High and 200 pupils at its Prep Department.

A recent consultation was carried out by the school on its future with a due date for its findings expected in the coming weeks.

The spokesperson added: “As a group, we have serious concerns regarding the accuracy of the data used to inform the internal consultation process, and we believe the pre-implementation report was fundamentally flawed.

“We strongly challenge the board of governors’ arguments regarding sustainability, especially when the EA’s own projections show a growing need for school places in Lisburn.

"The timing of the consultation has led to a worrying lack of transparency for prospective parents.

“Families should not be forced to navigate the current EA Pre-school and P1 application window while such critical information remains in flux.”

The parents continued: “Wallace Prep has shaped generations of children in Lisburn. We are determined not only to protect its future but to help it grow.

“Furthermore, the school provides an invaluable resource through its specialised SEN provision and extended class hours, which offer a level of tailored support that is increasingly rare.

“Our message is simple, Wallace Prep is open and welcoming to new pupils. If you want your child to be known, supported, and confident, this is the place for them.”

The LDRS contacted Wallace Prep School with a media query and put across the parents’ concerns claiming a “flawed” process in the consultation.

A school spokesperson said: “The Wallace High School recently undertook a consultation on a pre-implementation proposal with regards to its Preparatory Department.

“The board has conducted an open consultation process, welcoming views from all members of the school community.

"The concerns raised by the parents’ group were submitted as part of this process and will be given full and proper consideration by the board alongside all other consultation responses before any decisions are made.

“The board of governors is carefully considering all feedback received and will communicate the outcome in due course.”

The LDRS understands that the consultation report is due to be published in the coming days.