Downpatrick School Merger Gathers Momentum
The date for the merger of the three Downpatrick post-secondary schools is set for the 1st September 2024 (or after).
The Department of Education had initially said that the schools – St Patrick’s Grammar School, St Mary’s High School and the De la Salle High School – could merge on the 1st September 2023 or thereafter.
The Board of Governors at St Patrick’s Grammar School supported by the Red High Parents And Freinds Association has vigorously opposed the schools’ merger.
A previous court decision by the courts on the case based on five grounds taken by the St Patrick’s Grammar School Board of Governors was dismissed and the courts said that they would not allow another case to be heard.
The only option now for the St Patrick’s Board is to seek a judicial review if they wish to continue contesting the issue.
There will now in the coming months be a principal appointed to manage the three schools and bring the merger forward and with the support of an appointed Board of Governors.
The new school structure to accommodate the approximately 1600 post-primary pupils will also need to have a new name.
Down News understands that the development for post-primary special needs education will have to be approved by the Department of Education and a separate proposal will have to be drawn up and submitted to cover this.
This important piece of work for Special Needs pupils will be developed in parallel with the merger development and will no doubt involve an element of public consultation.
The Catholic Controlled Maintained Schools (CCMS) has already issued a statement in support of the schools’ merger following the Ministerial approval from Michelle McIlveen MLA. (see Related Post links below).
Red High PFA Opposes Merger
A spokesperson for the Red High Parents and Friend group said: “As we await advice from the Board of Governors and the school, we would like to confirm that the Red High PFA remain strongly opposed to this flawed proposal.
“How can an amalgamated school of 1600 pupils, spread across multiple sites be in the best interests of pupils and staff from the 3 schools and the local community?
“This proposal will particularly disadvantage boys and girls in rural areas.
“We are committed to fight this, fully exploring, and exhausting all avenues.
#rhtid : Red High PFA page
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