O’Dowd approves amalgamation of St Mary’s College, Clady and St Paul’s College, Kilrea

Education Minister John O’Dowd has approved the amalgamation of two maintained post-primary schools in rural south Derry.

The amalgamation of St Mary’s College, Clady and St Paul’s College, Kilrea will take effect upon or before the completion of a new building.

Commenting on the decision, Mr O’Dowd said:

 “This proposal will consolidate post-primary provision in south Derry, creating one sustainable school capable of meeting the educational needs, aptitudes, interests and aspirations of pupils in the area up to GCSE and post-16. The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools as the managing authority will implement the amalgamation upon completion of the new school building or sooner if possible.”

Notes to editors: 

1. On 2 September 2014 the North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB), at the request of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) published Development Proposals (DP) 292, 293 and 294 proposing the discontinuance of St Mary’s College and St Paul’s College to effect the amalgamation of both schools with the creation of a new maintained 11-19 post-primary school.
2. A capital scheme for the new school building will be subject to the normal processes for identifying schools to go forward in planning. It will require the completion and approval of an economic appraisal and will be subject to affordability.
3. The Minister reduced the proposed admission and enrolment number taking account of the projected need for places and the historical actual enrolments at the schools.
4. The Department of Education’s ‘Education Works’ campaign promotes the value of education. This year’s campaign aims to ensure that parents have information on schooling and that they are aware of the steps they can take to ‘Get Involved’ and support their teenager in achieving good outcomes at school. Watch out for the ads on television, radio and outdoor locations. The campaign highlights the vital role families can play in helping children do well at school and improve their life chances. Visit nidirect for more information or watch the TV ad on the Department’s YouTube channel 
5. See photos from the Department of Education in our Flickr collection 
6. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440, and your call will be returned.

Share this page