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Minister approves transformation of Fort Hill Primary School to integrated status

Thursday, 19 March 2009

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has approved a Development Proposal for Fort Hill Primary School, Lisburn, to acquire controlled integrated status.

Explaining the reasons for her decision, Ms Ruane said: “I am pleased to make this announcement today. The Department of Education has a statutory duty to encourage and facilitate the development of integrated education which has seen a growth in demand.

“Fort Hill Primary School is co-located with Fort Hill Integrated College and the campus should offer integrated education to children aged 4 to 19. The school already enrols children from a variety of backgrounds and it will be important that the school works hard to address the challenge of achieving a successful transformation. I wish everyone involved in the school success for the future.”

Fort Hill Primary School will acquire controlled integrated status with effect from 1 September 2009.

Notes to Editors:

  1. Fort Hill Primary School is a controlled school within the remit of the South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB). Fort Hill Primary School is located off the main Belfast Road into Lisburn. The present school building was opened in September 1965 and is situated on a 25 acre site, co-located with Fort Hill Controlled Integrated College.
  2. On 11 November 2008, at the request of the school’s Board of Governors, the South Eastern Education and Library Board Published Development Proposal No 207, to the effect that Fort Hill Primary School should acquire Controlled Integrated Status, with effect from 1 September 2009, or the earliest date thereafter. The two-month consultation period ended on 12 January 2009.
  3. In 2008/9, there are 208 children enrolled in Years 1 to 7 and 26 full-time places in the school’s nursery unit.
  4. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.