Enrolment to increase at Coleraine College: O’Dowd

The Coleraine College Prize Day Platform Party pictured on Friday.

In a reply to an Assembly question by MLA Gregory Campbell about the numbers at the Carthall Road school, John O’Dowd said: “On 26 September 2014 I approved a development proposal to increase the enrolment number at Coleraine College from 600 to 900 pupils with effect from 1 September 2015 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Accordingly, the admissions number at Coleraine College will increase from 103 to 140 from September 2015.”

The Minister added: “The Department will review numbers annually and, from the 2016 school year, will increase the enrolment number on a phased basis in line with demand for places at the school until the approved enrolment number of 900 is reached.”

Councillor George Duddy, Mayor of Coleraine, and Louise McLean, guest speaker, pictured with pupils at Coleraine College Prize Day on Friday.

In a reply to an earlier question by Independent East Londonderry MLA, Claire Sugden about the nature of responses during the consultation period leading up to the merger of Coleraine High and Coleraine Institution and increased enrolment at Coleraine College, Mr O’Dowd explained that his Department’s role commenced when the Development Proposal (DP)is published.

“The publication of the DP initiates a two-month period during which objections and comments can be sent directly to the Department.

“With regard to Development Proposals 288, 289 and 290 for the amalgamation of Coleraine Academical Institution and Coleraine High School, no comments were received during the two-month period.”

The Minister pointed out that his decision on each development proposal and the accompanying documentation can be seen on the Department of Education’s website: http://www.deni.gov.uk/index/schools-and-infrastructure-2/area-planning/14-schools_estate_devprop_pg.htm.