Plans to close four small rural primary schools in Northern Ireland, including one with just 13 pupils, have been postponed, allowing them to remain open for another academic year. The schools set to remain open are Balnamore Primary School in County Antrim, Lack PS in County Fermanagh, Queen Elizabeth II PS in County Tyrone, and Ballougry PS in County Londonderry – all with fewer than 105 pupils.
The decision comes after the Education Authority (EA) stated it was still waiting on a ministerial decision regarding the future of the schools and would not close them if they were to receive confirmation prior to 30 June 2024. The Department of Education recommended the schools be closed this summer due to their low student numbers, citing the 105-pupil minimum required to maintain sustainability for rural primary schools.
This announcement has led to a sigh of relief from parents and essential staff. Balnamore PS has only three teaching and support staff members and has recently opened a sensory room. Parents and governors consider the school the life and soul of their community and are relieved they have extra time to secure the school’s future. Emma McSparran, a special educational needs classroom assistant, explained how the children are delighted to return in September; they love their school, their teachers, and their community.
Although Lack Primary School has just 23 students, its principal, Sandra Johnston, believes the school is of vital importance to the village as a whole. She argues the school provides an after-school club and has close links with the local church and community group. Joyce Clingan, the principal of Queen Elizabeth II Primary School, notes the school is an integral part of the community, and she looks forward to welcoming returning pupils and new P1s in September.
Although the proposal to close these schools has faced opposition, including from actress Amanda Burton, who attended Ballougry PS as a child, the decision has undergone a public consultation process, including a two-month objection period. The Minister of Education, Paul Givan, will make decisions when he has been fully informed of all the facts and circumstances pertaining to each of these proposals by officials
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