24/03/2006
County Antrim High Schools to amalgamate
Two County Antrim High Schools are to amalgamate due to insufficient pupil numbers, it was revealed today.
It is understood that St Malachy's High School in Antrim and St Olcan's High School in Randalstown, are to merge from September 1 2006 and this will see all pupils from the Antrim School, moving to the site of the current St Olcan's High in Randalstown.
Commenting on today's decision, Education Minister, Angela Smith said: "I have taken this decision with the best interests of the pupils from both schools in mind. An examination of enrolment trends in the primary school sector in this area indicates that pupil numbers are not sufficient to sustain two post primary maintained secondary schools.
"A feasibility study concluded that amalgamation on the St Olcan's High site is the best way forward."
The amalgamation will remove around 480 surplus places from the schools' estate.
(EF/SP)
It is understood that St Malachy's High School in Antrim and St Olcan's High School in Randalstown, are to merge from September 1 2006 and this will see all pupils from the Antrim School, moving to the site of the current St Olcan's High in Randalstown.
Commenting on today's decision, Education Minister, Angela Smith said: "I have taken this decision with the best interests of the pupils from both schools in mind. An examination of enrolment trends in the primary school sector in this area indicates that pupil numbers are not sufficient to sustain two post primary maintained secondary schools.
"A feasibility study concluded that amalgamation on the St Olcan's High site is the best way forward."
The amalgamation will remove around 480 surplus places from the schools' estate.
(EF/SP)
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