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Minister announces closure of Maghera High School

Friday, 5 December 2008

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has approved a development proposal to allow for the closure of Maghera High School and the relocation of pupils in the Learning Support Unit to Magherafelt High.

The Minister said: “I have considered very carefully all the representations made in relation to the development proposal to allow for the closure of Maghera High School. I understand fully the strength of opposition, but I must consider the needs of the pupils and their needs cannot be met in a school in decline. I am committed to reforming our current unfair education system where the effects of falling rolls across the schools’ estate disproportionately impacts on secondary schools.

“I am confident that the closure of the school and the transfer of the pupils to other schools such as Magherafelt High, are in the best educational interests of the pupils. I would thank the teachers and parents for the work they have done for the pupils of Maghera High over the years.

“A replacement school for Magherafelt High is in planning and those pupils who formerly went to Maghera High will have opportunities to enhance their educational and social learning experiences in modern accommodation.”

Maghera High School has an approved enrolment of 350 and the current enrolment is 135. Intakes have been falling in recent years with only 18 new pupils admitted in September 2008.

Notes to Editors:

  1. Maghera High School is a controlled co-educational post-primary school.
  2. The North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) published Development Proposal No 242 on 7 April 2008 to the effect that Maghera High School should close and the Learning Support Centre presently located at Maghera High School will transfer to Magherafelt High School with effect from 31 August 2009 or as soon as possible thereafter.
  3. For media queries contact the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9701
  4. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.