United We Stand: Community Stands United with St. Malachy’s Primary School, Kilclief which is threatened with closure
The parents, pupils and wider community of St. Malachy’s Primary School, Kilclief, have extended their sincere thanks to all those who supported and attended the recent petition handover at Stormont on Tuesday, 30th June.
A spokesperson said following the last day of term, families, staff, representatives from UNISON, the Board of Governors, and supporters travelled together to Stormont to present a petition strengthened by signatures from across the local area and beyond.
The overwhelming support from past pupils, neighbours and friends reflects the deep connection so many have with the school.
St. Malachy’s Primary School has long been regarded as a cornerstone of the community.
For generations, families have chosen it as the place where their children begin their education. Its peaceful rural setting, strong pastoral ethos, child-centred teaching and dedicated staff have created an environment where children feel safe, valued and able to thrive.
The school is also recognised for its inclusive approach to education, particularly for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
It already reflects the vision outlined by Education Minister Paul Givan, who has stated that every child deserves “the right support, from the right people, at the right time and in the right place.”
At St. Malachy’s, that vision is a daily reality. Pupils benefit from a calm, low-stimulus environment, small class sizes and access to outdoor space – conditions widely recognised as essential for many children with additional needs, including those with anxiety or ASD traits.
The school’s inclusive model benefits all pupils. Children develop empathy, understanding and respect as they learn alongside peers with different needs and experiences. This shared environment fosters a culture of acceptance and strengthens the entire school community.
McGrath Receives Peition On Behalf Of The Assembly
Colin McGrath MLA said: “I was proud to stand alongside pupils, parents and local residents today as they presented their petition opposing the proposed closure of their school.
“It is incredibly sad that this community has been put in this position. Once a rural school is lost, it is almost impossible to replace. These schools are about far more than education.
“They are the heart of their communities, bringing people together, supporting local families and helping keep rural areas alive.
“The Department’s approach cannot simply be to close schools when numbers fall. If the Executive are serious about supporting rural communities, then we need policies that help them survive and grow, not decisions that steadily strip away the services that keep them together.
“I stand in full solidarity with everyone fighting to save their school and I am calling on the Education Minister to rethink this proposal.
“Local people deserve to be listened to and every possible option to keep this school open should be properly explored before any final decision is made.”
Councillor Aurla King added: “It was inspiring to see so many parents, pupils and members of the wider community come together today to make their voices heard. Their passion for their school and their determination to protect it could not have been clearer.
“This school is woven into the fabric of the Kilclief area. Its value cannot be measured simply by enrolment figures or spreadsheets.
“Closing a rural school has consequences that reach far beyond the classroom, affecting families, community life and the long-term future of the area.
“I want local people to know that Colin and I will continue to stand with them throughout this process. We will keep making the case that this school deserves a future and that this community deserves to be listened to.”
“St. Malachy’s PS is at the heart of this community and already delivers exactly what our children – especially those with additional needs – require to thrive.
“Closing a school that works so well simply cannot be justified. I will continue to stand with local families to ensure their voices are heard.”
Campaign Steering Committee chairman John Hanna said: “The petition has been running since October 2025 and it has over 5000 signatures.
“A lot of people have been keen to support rural school and our campaign against a threatened closure. Basically we are a wee school but we are the heart of the local community and have been for 150 years.
Generations of families have attend the school and out local community has a deep passion for it and fear its loss.
“We are just not happy with going to a school in Strangford. There are traffic issues there. Vehicles pass quickly, and it is difficult. to park near. I would have mobility problems getting my grand-children into school having to walk that distance. The impacts of closure will be felt across the wider area.
“We are delighted at collecting so many signatures and we thank all of those who have signed and supported our campaign to date.”
As St. Malachy’s approaches a significant milestone – its 160th anniversary in 2027 – the community remains hopeful for a positive and timely decision regarding its future.
Preparations are already underway to celebrate the school’s long-standing contribution to local life, under the leadership of incoming Principal, Mrs Ashlene McMullan.
The community has submitted a detailed and evidence-based case and is urging CCMS and the Department of Education to give full consideration to the unique role the school plays, particularly in supporting children with SEN.
There is growing concern, however, about the impact of prolonged uncertainty. The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) has repeatedly highlighted the emotional strain that delays in decision-making can place on children, affecting both their wellbeing and their education.
Stability, the community argues, is essential a spokesperson said.
The campaign continues to focus on protecting children’s rights, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that the best interests of the child must guide all decisions.
The community of St. Malachy’s remains steadfast in its message: children deserve stability, fairness and the opportunity to flourish in the school that has served them so well.
“We will not fall silent,” a spokesperson said. “We will continue to stand up for our children and our school until a decision is made that reflects their needs and their future.”
Trade Union UNISON is also supporting the staff and the campaign, and Strangford MP Jim Shannon has provided a letter of support too.
The petition signatures were handed over to South Down MLA Colin McGrath who will hand them to the Speaker for processing and drawing to the attention of the Education Minister, Paul Givan MLA.
