Eagle agrees amalgamation of two primary schools

Education Minister, Maria Eagle, has agreed to the amalgamation of two schools in the Crossgar area.

The Minister has agreed to proposals for Drumaghlis Primary School to transform from maintained to controlled status and to amalgamate with Crossgar Primary School. The two schools will amalgamate on the Crossgar site from 1 September 2007.

Commenting on her decision, the Minister said: “I am happy to approve these proposals, which have been brought forward with the best educational interests of the pupils in mind. An amalgamated school will offer these young people greater educational opportunities and increased social interaction.”

Notes to Editors

1. At the request of the Board of Governors, Development Proposal No.194 was published by the South-Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) on 13 February 2007 and proposed the transformation of Drumaghlis maintained primary school to controlled status. The 2-month period for objections ended on 16 April 2007. Drumaghlis was the last Presbyterian maintained primary school in Northern Ireland.
2. Development Proposal No. 195 was published by the SEELB on 13 February 2007 and proposed the amalgamation of Drumaghlis and Crossgar Primary Schools. The 2-month objection period ended on 16 April 2007.
3. Drumaghlis and Crossgar primary school sites are approximately 2 ½ miles apart.
4. There are currently 52 pupils enrolled at Crossgar Primary School and 36 at Drumaghlis Primary School.