Guiness Primary School, Ballynahinch, to close

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has approved a proposal from the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools to close Guiness Primary School, Ballynahinch, from 31 August 2008.

Commenting on the decision, Ms Ruane said: “It is always with great sadness that I approve a proposal to close any school. The low enrolments, however, present major difficulties in delivering the curriculum and some parents have already taken the decision to register their children in other local schools. The educational interests of the children will be better served by one of the neighbouring schools in the area, where they will be able to benefit from a broader educational experience.

"I would pay tribute to the teachers of Guiness Primary who have done so much for the children under their care.”

Only 18 children were enrolled in this school in 2007/08. During the statutory consultation period, there were no objections to the proposal to close the school.

Notes to Editors:

1. On 26 February 2008, the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, acting on behalf of the Trustees of the parish of Magheradroll, requested the South Eastern Education and Library Board to publish Development Proposal No 205 to the effect that Guiness Primary School, Ballynahinch, should close, with effect from 1 September 2008, or as soon as possible thereafter.
2. Guiness Primary School is a co-educational maintained primary school located some six miles from Ballynahinch, County Down.
3. The Trustees and the CCMS propose to close the school because of declining enrolments.
4. Media queries, contact the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9701. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.