You can now have your say on future of local schools

The plans for Ballymena, which are aimed at changing the pattern of grammar and secondary school provision in the borough, are set out in four options.

One is to maintain the current structure, another option suggests that while Dunclug College would continue as an 11-19 co-educational school, it would initially be on a split site incorporating the current Ballee site with the aim of being co-located in a new build facility with the proposed new Castle Tower school and NRC provision.

In two of the options, Ballee High School faces closure while three of the options contain the suggestion that a single 11-19 school would operate on the Galgorm Road with Ballymena Academy assimilating Cambridge House.

Also suggested in three of the options is the establishment of a partnership by St Louis Grammar, St Patrick’s College and St Benedict’s which would see them work together on a staged progression leading to the creation of one school for the area, with St Louis leading the development.

Launching the public consultation process on Friday, the NEELB pointed out that extensive discussion had taken place with schools and Governors over past months.

It also stated that schools had made submissions to the Board “which have assisted greatly in the formulation of these options which are being released for further consideration by schools and the wider public”.

The NEELB statement went on to point out too that “no firm recommendations regarding future provision have yet been made”.

The Board’s Senior Education Officer, Mr Ray Gilbert, said: “I have been delighted with the excellent discussions that have taken place as possible options for post primary school provision in these areas have been developed and I look forward to hearing views on these proposals as we aim to shape the education provision for the current and future generations of young people in the Antrim/Ballymena, Coleraine and Newtownabbey areas.”

Ballymena Academy reacted speedily and positively to the launch of the consultation process which will take place up to the end of October, after which the Board will produce proposals for school provision in each area. A statement issued by the Academy on Friday morning said the school would give the proposals “full and careful attention”.

It went on: “It is important to recognise that we are in a time of financial shortfall, scarce funding and concerns about standards and sustainability. This school has, over the past number of years, signalled its willingness to contribute to efforts to bring about better educational outcomes and improved examination results for all the young people of this area, not just those who attend Ballymena Academy.

“Given that the outcomes of the area planning process will shape post-primary education in Ballymena for decades to come, this consultation is of enormous significance for children, young people and families in this area.

“We note from the Area Plan that Ballymena Academy’s status as an 11-19 Voluntary Grammar School remains; there is a potential enrolment increase, but the school’s distinctive identity as a successful grammar school will not be compromised.

“We did not instigate the Area Planning process, nor did we initiate any specific proposals, but we will continue to prioritise the best interests of our young people at all times. Pupils currently attending (and their parents) can be assured that our caring ethos will be maintained, as will the well-earned reputation for excellence. There will not be any lowering of expectations or dilution of high standards in the quality of the service provided.

“This school is a member of the Ballymena Learning Together partnership and supported the model put forward by nine of the schools. The Board of Governors will now satisfy itself about these proposals, explore the mechanisms by which they could be implemented and, having given the document the detailed consideration it deserves, make its formal response”.

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, welcomed the publication of the proposals on Friday, stating: “Earlier this year I asked each of the Education and Library Boards, working with CCMS and other sectors, to map out the shape of future education provision in their areas. I want to create a network of strong, viable schools built around the need to ensure every child has access to high quality education.

“Today’s publication by the NEELB of proposals for three areas is a welcome first step in that process...By the end of the year final area plans will be published and the work will begin on shaping the future schools’ estate.

“I would urge parents, pupils and the public to consider these proposals fully and those that will follow for other areas in the near future. I want an estate shaped by the needs of our young people, not the needs of institutions, and I do not want this debate to be dominated by those who are afraid of change.

“Every child deserves high quality education and I am determined through the process of area planning that we will have a network of strong viable schools delivering high quality education for all pupils,” said the Minister.

The proposals and details of the consultation process can be viewed on the Board’s website at www.neelb.org.uk