Ruane approves amalgamation of St John the Baptist Boys' and Girls' Primary Schools, Belfast

Education Minister, Caítriona Ruane, has approved a Development Proposal to amalgamate St John the Baptist Boys’ and Girls’ Primary Schools in South Belfast.

The Minister commented: “Amalgamation will result in a large, co-educational primary school serving the Finaghy area.

“I believe that these schools are very well placed to achieve a successful amalgamation and I would like to take this opportunity to wish the staff and pupils every success in the future.”

Notes to editors:

1. On 4 February 2010 the Belfast Education and Library Board (BELB) published Development Proposal (DP) number 195, which proposed the amalgamation of  St John the Baptist Boys’ and St John the Baptist Girls’ primary schools, Belfast on the site of St John the Baptist Girls’ School, with effect from 1 September 2010, or as soon as possible thereafter.
2. The schools are currently separate single-sex maintained primary schools situated on a shared site on Finaghy Road, Belfast.  Amalgamation will be in existing accommodation.  
3. 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.