‘Super school at Inst’

That’s the agreed proposal of the board of governors of both Coleraine Academical Institution and Coleraine High School in response to local plans for secondary education by the North Eastern Education and Library Board.

In December NEELB published proposals for the future of post-primary education in Coleraine as provided by Coleraine Academical Institution, Coleraine High School and Coleraine College.

The proposals suggested that Inst and the High School form two co-educational schools, one of which is academically selective and one of which is not. Coleraine College was proposed for closure.

A joint statement issued by the principals of all three schools - Dr David Carruthers, Mrs Anne Bell and Madame Stella Skobel, said they had carefully considered the proposals.

“The Boards of Governors are agreed that the academically selective co-educational school should be a combination of Coleraine Academical Institution and Coleraine High School, located on the CAI site and should have voluntary grammar school status,” the statement said.

“Coleraine College will provide non-selective education, the location of which will be determined as a result of an economic appraisal.

“All three schools believe that this will provide the best educational solution for all pupils in the Coleraine area, securing both academic and vocational pathways for present and future generations.

“CAI and CHS will work in partnership with each other and with Coleraine College to ensure that there is high quality educational provision for all the pupils involved, providing the best possible opportunities for success “The three schools are committed to working together to achieve a successful outcome for all the pupils.”

“Current pupils and parents of CAI and CHS and pupils who are admitted in September 2013 should be assured that transition arrangements will not in any sense adversely affect their position or educational opportunities.”