Announcing her decision, Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane said: “The Drelincourt Primary School has served the local community in providing primary school education for young children in Armagh for a very long period of time. I recently met with representatives from the school to hear their views in support of the proposal to extend provision to include Year 4 pupils. I was impressed by their commitment to the children in this area.
I have given very careful consideration to this proposal. I also took into consideration the probable impact on the nearby Armstrong Primary School, to which the majority of children transfer at the end of Year 3 to complete their primary education. I am not persuaded by the argument that a change in the current arrangements would be in the best interests of educational provision for children in the area. I have therefore decided not to approve this proposal.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- At the request of the Trustees of The Drelincourt Primary School, Armagh the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) published Development Proposal No. 219 on 19 April 2007, to the effect that Drelincourt Primary School will provide education for children to complete Key Stage 1 Curriculum within Drelincourt Primary School from 1 September 2007 or as soon as possible thereafter. The statutory 2-month period for objections ended on 19 June 2007.
- The Drelincourt School is a Church of Ireland maintained infants’ school, which provides for the first three years of primary education.
- The 2006/07 enrolment was 30 with a total of 25 children expected to enrol in September 2007. Over the past three years the intake to Drelincourt has averaged around 10 pupils a year.
- Media queries contact the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9701.
- Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
