Education Minister agrees closure of Beechfield Primary School, Belfast

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has approved a development proposal to close Beechfield Primary School, Belfast.

Commenting on the decision, the Minister said; “Beechfield Primary School has served the east Belfast community for many years, however, there has been a steady decline in enrolments over a period of several years. There are actually no pupils enrolled at the school in the 2010/11 academic year.”

“I would like to thank the Governors, staff, pupils and all those connected with Beechfield Primary School for their support over the years. I hope that the former pupils have settled well into their new school environments and I wish them well for the future.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Belfast Education and Library Board published Development Proposal No 196 on 29 June 2010 proposing to cease education provision at Beechfield Primary School from September 2010 or as soon as possible thereafter.
2. Beechfield Primary School is located in the Templemore Avenue area of east Belfast and enrolments have declined over a number of years. There are no pupils in attendance at the school in September 2010.
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.