Work begins on £11million building project for Coleraine Grammar School

Dr Mark Browne, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Education, has cut the first sod to officially mark the beginning of construction works at Coleraine Grammar School.

Cutting the first sod are (L to R) Willie Oliver, President of the BoGs; Permanent Secretary at the Department of Education, Dr Mark Browne; Principal, David Carruthers; Head Boy, Jordan McAuley and Head Girl, Kia McCartney

Coleraine Grammar School opened in September 2015 following the amalgamation of Coleraine Academical Institution and Coleraine High School.

This investment of over £11million from the Department of Education’s School Enhancement Programme will provide a new classroom block and refurbishment of existing buildings on the site of the former Coleraine Academical Institution on the Castlerock Road.

Welcoming the £11million investment, Dr Browne said: “Ongoing investment in our schools’ estate is essential if we are to continue to provide the high-quality education that our teachers and young people deserve.

“As well as investing in our schools’ estate, it also provides a boost to the local economy and secures construction jobs. I am very pleased that this project has been able to proceed to this point.”

The school has operated on a split site since it was established in September 2015. This construction project will accommodate up to 1,060 pupils on one single campus.

Acknowledging the work of the school community and its stakeholders in bringing the project to this stage, Dr Browne concluded: “The construction works, once completed, will bring the school together on one site and ensure pupils will grow and learn in a modern, fit for purpose facility that supports the 21st century curriculum.”

Dr David Carruthers, school principal added: “We are delighted to have secured this significant investment from the Department, which will allow us to reach the milestone of having all pupils and staff based on one site. This has been a long term goal since Coleraine Grammar School was established in 2015, and on behalf of the school I would like to thank the Department for its support for our plans.”

Works on the site began in late May 2023 with final construction works due complete by the summer 2024.

Notes to editors: 

1. McAdam are the Integrated Consultant Team on the project. Connolly & Fee were appointed to carry out the construction works.
2. The School Enhancement Programme targets investment to meet the immediate and pressing needs in schools, through smaller scale works, where new build major capital works are not deemed affordable or deliverable within the budget available. The School Enhancement Programme does not include new build solutions, as these are dealt with separately as part of the Major Works Programme.
3. Follow us on Twitter @Education_ni
4. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office at Press.Office@education-ni.gov.uk

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