A spokesperson said: “The Board of Governors had expressed concern that only ten pupils had applied for admission to year 8 in September 2008. This fact, coupled with a recent reduction in pupil enrolments across years 8 – 11, had led the Board of Governors to meet specifically to discuss the future of the college. The college has since withdrawn the offers of places to the ten potential pupils, who will be offered places at alternative schools.
“The Department of Education has provided recurrent funding to the college since 1 September 2004 to cover running costs and salaries. In addition, the department has paid interest charges on the loan taken out by the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) for the site and accommodation. The college has not been vested and capital funding has not been provided as the minimum intake of 50 pupils per year over a three year period has not been met. The college has a maximum enrolment of 400 pupils and 138 are enrolled this year compared to 153 the previous year.
“The interests of the young people currently attending Armagh Integrated College are the priority. The Department of Education will work closely with the Board of Governors to ensure continuity of educational provision, particularly for those taking exams. It will be for the Board of Governors to bring forward proposals regarding the future of the college. These proposals will be progressed in accordance with set procedures, which include a period of public consultation.”
Notes to Editors:
Media queries to the Department of Education Press Office on 028 91 279 207. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
