Draft WELB Strategic Area Plan for Primary Schools - Western ...
Draft WELB Strategic Area Plan for Primary Schools - Western ...
Draft WELB Strategic Area Plan for Primary Schools - Western ...
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<strong>Western</strong> Education and Library Board <strong>Area</strong><br />
POST-PRIMARY EDUCATION<br />
IN<br />
Putting Pupils First: Shaping Our Future<br />
<strong>Draft</strong> <strong>WELB</strong> <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
Consultation Document<br />
19 March 2013 – 30 June 2013<br />
In conjunction with the<br />
Council <strong>for</strong> Catholic Maintained <strong>Schools</strong><br />
and engagement with other school sectors
CONTENTS<br />
1.0 Introduction<br />
1.1 Scope<br />
1.1.1 Aims, Objectives and Constraints of the Working Group<br />
1.2 Progress to Date<br />
1.3 Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
1.4 Engagement Process<br />
2.0 <strong>Area</strong> Profile<br />
2.1 General Context<br />
2.1.1 Economic Development and Employment<br />
2.1.2 Social Context<br />
2.1.3 Rural <strong>Area</strong><br />
2.1.4 Roads Infrastructure<br />
2.2 Current Provision<br />
2.3 Cross Boundary Flows<br />
2.4 Pupil Population Projection<br />
2.5 Viability Audit Outcomes<br />
3.0 Case <strong>for</strong> Change<br />
3.1 <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning Common Approach<br />
3.1.1 <strong>Schools</strong> above the relevant sustainable schools thresholds of 105 pupils<br />
(rural) and 140 pupils (urban)<br />
3.1.2 <strong>Schools</strong> below the sustainable schools rural threshold of 105 pupils<br />
3.1.3 Exploring Local <strong>Area</strong> Solutions<br />
3.2 Review of Irish Medium Education<br />
3.3 Shared Education<br />
4.0 Derry City Council <strong>Area</strong><br />
4.1 General Context<br />
4.2 Current Provision<br />
4.3 Cross Boundary Flows<br />
4.4 Pupil Population Projections<br />
4.5 Viability Audit Outcomes<br />
4.6 Proposal <strong>for</strong> the Derry City Council <strong>Area</strong><br />
4.7 Vision <strong>for</strong> the <strong>Area</strong><br />
5.0 Fermanagh District Council <strong>Area</strong><br />
5.1 General Context<br />
5.2 Current Provision<br />
5.3 Cross Boundary Flows<br />
5.4 Pupil Population Projections<br />
5.5 Viability Audit Outcomes<br />
5.6 Proposal <strong>for</strong> the Fermanagh District Council <strong>Area</strong><br />
5.7 Vision <strong>for</strong> the <strong>Area</strong><br />
6.0 Limavady Borough Council <strong>Area</strong><br />
6.1 General Context<br />
6.2 Current Provision<br />
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6.3 Cross Boundary Flows<br />
6.4 Pupil Population Projections<br />
6.5 Viability Audit Outcomes<br />
6.6 Proposal <strong>for</strong> the Limavady Borough Council <strong>Area</strong><br />
6.7 Vision <strong>for</strong> the <strong>Area</strong><br />
7.0 Omagh District Council <strong>Area</strong><br />
7.1 General Context<br />
7.2 Current Provision<br />
7.3 Cross Boundary Flows<br />
7.4 Pupil Population Projections<br />
7.5 Viability Audit Outcomes<br />
7.6 Proposal <strong>for</strong> the Omagh District Council <strong>Area</strong><br />
7.7 Vision <strong>for</strong> the <strong>Area</strong><br />
8.0 Strabane District Council <strong>Area</strong><br />
8.1 General Context<br />
8.2 Current Provision<br />
8.3 Cross Boundary Flows<br />
8.4 Pupil Population Projections<br />
8.5 Viability Audit Outcomes<br />
8.6 Proposal <strong>for</strong> the Strabane District Council <strong>Area</strong><br />
8.7 Vision <strong>for</strong> the <strong>Area</strong><br />
9.0 The Process of Taking Forward the Proposals<br />
10.0 Capital Investment in the <strong>Schools</strong> Estate<br />
11.0 Issue <strong>for</strong> Consideration<br />
12.0 Circumstances driven by Pupil Need<br />
Appendix A: <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning - Terms of Reference<br />
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1.0 INTRODUCTION<br />
The Department of Education’s (DE) vision is - “To ensure that every learner fulfils his or her<br />
full potential at each stage of development.”<br />
All DE policies and processes, such as <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning, contribute to the delivery of that vision<br />
and all have, as a central theme, the educational well-being of the children and young people<br />
<strong>for</strong> whom the education service is designed. These policies and processes all focus on raising<br />
standards and providing the best education possible <strong>for</strong> all young people. Further in<strong>for</strong>mation<br />
is available on the DE’s website. www.deni.gov.uk<br />
To make sure that the focus was on raising standards and putting pupils first, John O’Dowd,<br />
MLA, the Minister <strong>for</strong> Education, asked the Education and Library Boards (ELB) to work with<br />
the Council <strong>for</strong> Catholic Maintained <strong>Schools</strong> (CCMS) and the other sectors to prepare strategic<br />
area plans <strong>for</strong> the restructuring of <strong>Primary</strong> education in their areas.<br />
Restructuring is necessary <strong>for</strong> a number of reasons:<br />
The pupil population has fallen far below the numbers which our current schools were<br />
designed to accommodate, resulting in thousands of unfilled places.<br />
The type of curriculum needed to raise standards and support the economy is much<br />
broader than that previously taught, and this means that many schools need to be bigger to<br />
deliver an effective service.<br />
Finally, there is much less money available to run the education service and we need to<br />
concentrate resources.<br />
There<strong>for</strong>e, there is a need to change from the existing network of schools to one that is<br />
sustainable. <strong>Schools</strong> need to be able to offer a high quality education to all pupils and<br />
maximise the impact of the resources available by reducing unfilled places and duplication.<br />
<strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning is the process through which such a network of schools will be developed and<br />
this <strong>Plan</strong>, prepared by the <strong>Western</strong> Education and Library Board (<strong>WELB</strong>), is the beginning of<br />
that process.<br />
The Minister has set out objectives <strong>for</strong> this process and these are contained in the Terms of<br />
Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning attached - Appendix A.<br />
1.1 Scope<br />
This <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> addresses primary school provision only. It takes account of relevant<br />
legislation and supports the implementation of the DE policies.<br />
Throughout the planning process the requirements of promoting equality of opportunity and<br />
good relations have been adhered to.<br />
This <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> addresses long-term primary school’s needs - from 2012 to 2025 and<br />
it recognises that re-shaping the primary provision involves significant investment. There is<br />
limited capital funding available in the <strong>for</strong>eseeable future and it is likely that demand will be<br />
greater than the total available and funding will have to be prioritised to ensure effective use of<br />
resources. Changes will there<strong>for</strong>e be managed to ensure that they take place in an appropriate<br />
order to protect the education of all pupils.<br />
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1.1.1 Aim, Objectives and Constraints of the Working Group<br />
Aim<br />
To identify the need <strong>for</strong> education provision in the <strong>WELB</strong> area in the context of, and with<br />
reference to, the DE Policies and priorities, identify and analyse potential solutions and<br />
make robust recommendations across sectors taking account of the individual sectoral<br />
interests.<br />
Objectives<br />
The objectives of the <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> <strong>for</strong> the <strong>WELB</strong> area are to:<br />
ensure a network of viable and sustainable schools, within reasonable travelling<br />
distance <strong>for</strong> pupils, capable of effectively delivering the NI Curriculum;<br />
identify and meet the needs of all children and young people in the area;<br />
enhance the quality of provision and raise standards;<br />
apply the ‘Needs Model’ to identify the number of primary places required and reduce<br />
the number of unfilled places;<br />
reduce duplication of provision;<br />
identify realistic, innovative and creative solutions to address need, including<br />
opportunities <strong>for</strong> shared schooling on a cross sectoral basis;<br />
maximise the use and sharing of the existing schools estate;<br />
identify potential <strong>for</strong> co-location of Mainstream and Special schools; and<br />
explore opportunities <strong>for</strong> cross-boundary and cross-border planning.<br />
Constraints<br />
Current school estate;<br />
Sectoral interests;<br />
Time;<br />
Parental preference;<br />
Current Transport Costs/Policy;<br />
Admissions Policy and Open Enrolment;<br />
Financial: Capital Programme;<br />
Financial: Common Formula Funding Review;<br />
Rurality of the <strong>WELB</strong> area;<br />
Geographic configuration of the <strong>WELB</strong>;<br />
Demographic downturn in the <strong>WELB</strong>; and<br />
Current Legislation with regard to the Governance and Management of <strong>Schools</strong> and<br />
the urgent need <strong>for</strong> review of same.<br />
1.2 Progress to Date<br />
The <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning process began with a Viability Audit of all schools which assessed schools<br />
against a set of criteria <strong>for</strong> sustainable enrolment levels, delivery of quality education and<br />
financial sustainability. The Audits were published on 6 March 2012 and provided a snapshot<br />
of the issues facing schools, at that date. The Audit was an important aspect of the process to<br />
in<strong>for</strong>m the discussions which need to take place around the changes needed within the system.<br />
The Audit showed that throughout Northern Ireland (<strong>WELB</strong> figures detailed in the Council <strong>Area</strong><br />
sections):<br />
66 of the 839 primary schools primary schools (8%) were not meeting the educational<br />
criteria (and of these, 9 were in <strong>for</strong>mal intervention);<br />
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321 (38%) fell below the minimum enrolment threshold;<br />
66 (8%) have a projected deficit greater than 5% or £75,000 (whichever is the lesser), with<br />
a combined deficit of £4.5 million; and<br />
390 (46%) were not meeting the criteria in one or more categories.<br />
[Source: DE1/12/34285 – Viability Audit Analysis Briefing]<br />
1.3 Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
The Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy is central to the <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning process and to the successful<br />
implementation of the key DE policies. The primary objective of the policy is to ensure that all<br />
children and young people get a high quality education in strong and vibrant schools that are<br />
educationally and financially viable in the longer term.<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> schools with fewer than seven classes often encounter problems. The smaller the<br />
school, the more acute these problems can become in providing a broad and balanced<br />
curriculum. Despite the best ef<strong>for</strong>ts of the teachers involved, there is often less scope <strong>for</strong> pupils<br />
to benefit from meeting a reasonable number of other children, and there are fewer<br />
opportunities <strong>for</strong> providing a full programme of curricular and extra-curricular sports and<br />
activities.<br />
The policy specifies a set of six sustainability criteria which apply to all grant-aided schools,<br />
with associated indicators to be used in assessing a school’s educational viability, as follows:<br />
Quality Educational Experience<br />
Stable Enrolment Trends<br />
Sound Financial Position<br />
Strong Leadership and Management<br />
Accessibility<br />
Strong Links with the Community<br />
Where enrolments are concerned, the policy adopts minimum thresholds as follows <strong>for</strong> primary<br />
schools:<br />
Rural <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> - 105 pupils<br />
Urban <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> - 140 pupils<br />
The policy classifies schools located within the Belfast City Council and Derry City Council<br />
areas as urban. <strong>Schools</strong> located in all other areas are considered rural.<br />
In brief, the aim of the planning process is to provide the right number of places in the right<br />
variety of schools of the right size in any given area. In doing so all ELBs are reviewing all<br />
schools in an area to see what part they will play in any new configuration. What schools are<br />
needed and where they are needed will be considered to decide if there are sufficient places in<br />
the different sectors. This will allow, <strong>for</strong> example, <strong>for</strong> an increase in children in integrated<br />
schools, though such an increase will necessarily involve a reduction in children in the other<br />
sectors.<br />
There are four important things to note:<br />
There are too many small schools and many will not survive into the future. This does not<br />
mean that all small schools will close - they will not. However, it is likely that some schools<br />
may be amalgamated to provide bigger, more sustainable, schools. Others again may need<br />
to expand to accommodate pupils from schools which have closed. Some will see no<br />
change. All schools which fall below the minimum will be reviewed starting with those that<br />
are below the threshold and have fewer than 4 teachers. There may, however, be local<br />
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circumstances, especially in lightly populated or less accessible rural areas, which require<br />
that a school is kept open but this can only be determined after review.<br />
The process will be complex and it will take time to carry out the plans. <strong>Area</strong> planning has<br />
not been carried out on this scale be<strong>for</strong>e in Northern Ireland, and it will be a rolling process<br />
which will continue over a number of years. These initial plans are best regarded as setting<br />
a direction of travel rather than providing a firm solution to all issues. In implementing this<br />
<strong>Plan</strong>, the <strong>WELB</strong> has its own priorities, and the DE will also have a role to play in determining<br />
what can be af<strong>for</strong>ded. There<strong>for</strong>e, where schools are proposed <strong>for</strong> closure, amalgamation or<br />
expansion it should not be assumed that the change will happen immediately. The <strong>WELB</strong><br />
will be able to advise parents who are concerned about their children’s schools about the<br />
priority af<strong>for</strong>ded to the changes and planned timescales.<br />
Any proposal to close, amalgamate or expand a school will, as now, be subject to a statutory<br />
development proposal. This will allow <strong>for</strong> consultation with those directly affected and the<br />
consideration of immediately local circumstances.<br />
The process of change may offer scope <strong>for</strong> cross-sectoral solutions, ranging from the<br />
sharing of expertise and facilities to full amalgamations.<br />
The five ELBs and CCMS, see Section 3.1, have agreed a consistent approach to planning and<br />
to the <strong>for</strong>mat of the area plans which will involve showing needs and provision in each district<br />
council area, and making proposals or recommendations <strong>for</strong> schools or groups of schools.<br />
1.4 Engagement Process<br />
To commence the <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning Process, the <strong>WELB</strong> sought representatives from the CCMS,<br />
Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (CnaG), Governing Bodies Association (GBA) and Northern<br />
Ireland Council <strong>for</strong> Integrated Education (NICIE) and established the <strong>WELB</strong> Putting Pupils First:<br />
Shaping Our Future Working Group.<br />
The membership of the Putting Pupils First: Shaping Our Future Working Group also consists<br />
of Officers with the professional expertise in Curriculum, C2K, Finance, Human Resources, and<br />
Transport, to in<strong>for</strong>m and enhance the decision-making process.<br />
The Working Group is a cross-sectoral representation of the multi-layered provision which<br />
exists within the area. It seeks to work in a mutually supportive partnership to provide a<br />
curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils, as well as the demands of the statutory<br />
curriculum and further strengthens and develops the collaborative links that exist within the<br />
Community.<br />
The sectoral representation of the membership of the Working Group, Chaired by Rev Robert<br />
Herron, seeks to ensure the needs of all pupils are met through the provision of education<br />
across and in collaboration with all sectors. The Working Group discussed the options relating<br />
to <strong>Primary</strong> education within the <strong>WELB</strong> area.<br />
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Putting Pupils First: Shaping Our Future Working Group - Membership<br />
Rev Robert Herron (Chair) Chairman, <strong>WELB</strong><br />
Mrs Rosemary Watterson Chief Administrative Officer, <strong>WELB</strong> (Co-ordinator)<br />
Ms Iris Barker Head of Property Services, <strong>WELB</strong><br />
Ms Sinead McCartan Development Officer, <strong>WELB</strong><br />
Mrs Alison Smyth Head of CASS, <strong>WELB</strong><br />
Mr Sean Rodgers Assistant Finance Officer, <strong>WELB</strong><br />
Mr David Spence Transport Officer, <strong>WELB</strong><br />
Mrs Emer Palmer Senior Manager, Human Resources, <strong>WELB</strong><br />
Ms Lyn McCullagh C2K Support Manager<br />
Mr Gerry Lundy Deputy Chief Executive, CCMS<br />
Mr Liam MacGiolla Mheana CnaG<br />
Mr Seamus Leonard NICIE<br />
Mr John MacCrossan GBA<br />
Ms Carrie Scott Minute Secretary, <strong>WELB</strong><br />
Putting Pupils First: Shaping Our Future Working Group - Meetings<br />
The Working Group held meetings on: 10 January 2012<br />
7 February 2012<br />
13 March 2012<br />
26 March 2012<br />
17 April 2012<br />
8 May 2012<br />
12 June 2012<br />
29 June 2012<br />
21 September 2012<br />
29 October 2012<br />
26 November 2012<br />
10 December 2012<br />
21 January 2013<br />
11 February 2013<br />
To in<strong>for</strong>m the <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong>, the <strong>WELB</strong> consulted with all <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong>. Correspondence and a pro<strong>for</strong>ma were <strong>for</strong>warded to all <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> seeking their<br />
views, comments and local area proposals to be considered in the context of <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
<strong>Plan</strong>ning. The <strong>WELB</strong> received 60 responses from a total of 182 primary schools. The<br />
responses from schools showed a strong commitment to the each individual school. The<br />
excellent collaboration within schools was identified with some schools, especially in the<br />
Fermanagh District Council <strong>Area</strong>, identifying an expression of interest in Shared Education.<br />
The <strong>WELB</strong> and CCMS are engaging with these schools to identify sustainable opportunities <strong>for</strong><br />
Shared Education. The setting up of an Advisory Group, by the Minister, to investigate Shared<br />
Education will help in guiding the Managing Authorities and schools in progressing Shared<br />
Education.<br />
The views, comments and proposals in<strong>for</strong>med the draft <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong>.<br />
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2.0 AREA PROFILE<br />
2.1 General Context<br />
The <strong>WELB</strong>, established under the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1972, is the Education<br />
and Library Authority <strong>for</strong> the <strong>Western</strong> part of the Province. It spans 1,940 square miles and a<br />
total population of approximately 299,431 people. It is responsible to the DE <strong>for</strong> local<br />
administration of the Education and Library Services in the five Council <strong>Area</strong>s of Derry City,<br />
Fermanagh, Limavady, Omagh and Strabane.<br />
The <strong>WELB</strong> serves a large rural population with the exception of Derry City.<br />
2.1.1 Economic Development and Employment<br />
The links between economic development and employment may appear less immediate<br />
in the primary sector than in the post-primary sector, where young people are<br />
transitioning directly into employment, training or further education. However, <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong> lay the critical foundations of acquiring knowledge, skills and attributes that will<br />
enable pupils to participate in the post-primary curriculum, and in turn lead on to<br />
qualifications and skills <strong>for</strong> employment and life. The DE’s Count Read: Succeed<br />
Strategy places the emphasis on literacy and numeracy firmly in the context of the need<br />
<strong>for</strong> a growing economy and a well-educated work<strong>for</strong>ce.<br />
For <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> the factors that relate to economic development and employability<br />
centre on a number of issues.<br />
Parents need to place a high value on primary education, and understand and<br />
appreciate its link to further success at post-primary level and beyond, particularly in<br />
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elation to employment. The DE’s ‘Every School a Good School’ policy points out that<br />
this may be a greater challenge <strong>for</strong> some schools, particularly those serving<br />
disadvantaged communities. School leaders need to be able to both communicate high<br />
expectations, but also foster the confidence, respect and support of parents, based on<br />
high standards of teaching and learning and pastoral care that supports pupils,<br />
enabling them to overcome any barriers to learning.<br />
All <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> need to be able to provide equality of access to a broad and<br />
balanced curriculum. The NI Curriculum (<strong>Primary</strong>) places an emphasis on not solely<br />
acquiring the skills of Literacy, Numeracy and ICT, but the ability to also use these in<br />
real-life and meaningful contexts. Indeed the assessment of pupils in relation to these<br />
three areas is firmly placed in the context of the cross-curricular skills of Using<br />
Mathematics, Communication across the Curriculum and Using ICT. The Council <strong>for</strong> the<br />
Curriculum Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) Education <strong>for</strong> Employability at<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> programme sums this up in the statement that employability at the primary level<br />
is about providing opportunities <strong>for</strong> ‘children to see that <strong>for</strong> them school is their<br />
workplace’ where they can ‘realise their enterprising capabilities’. There is a<br />
concomitant expectation that primary school leaders will have effective links and<br />
partnerships with employers to meet the needs of the curriculum, employers and the<br />
economy <strong>for</strong> economic awareness, environmental sustainability and development needs<br />
at local and regional levels (Together Towards Improvement (TTI) – A Process <strong>for</strong> Self<br />
Evaluation [<strong>Primary</strong>], DE).<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong>, in delivering public value, must ensure that their provision benefits<br />
both the local communities they serve and local and global economies (TTI, DE).<br />
2.1.2 Social Context<br />
The NOBLE Index 2010 is the most up to date measure of relative deprivation in<br />
Northern Ireland. Deprivation is measured at Ward or Super Output <strong>Area</strong> (SOA) level.<br />
Each SOA approximately contains 2000 people and there are 890 Super Output <strong>Area</strong>s<br />
in Northern Ireland. This is compared to a larger ward area of approximately 3100<br />
people and there are 582 wards in Northern Ireland. Within the NOBLE Index there are<br />
7 domains of deprivation at Super Output <strong>Area</strong> level (SOA). This measure provides a<br />
more localised analysis of deprivation in the areas in which schools are located, though<br />
not necessarily the areas from which they draw all their pupils.<br />
The NI Multiple Deprivation <strong>Area</strong> Measure (NIMDM), an overall measure of deprivation,<br />
is constructed from 52 different indicators relating to seven weighted types or ‘domains’<br />
of deprivation: Income, Employment, Health, Education, Proximity to Services, Living<br />
Environment and Crime & Disorder.<br />
Deprivation levels in the <strong>WELB</strong> area can be divided into the five Council <strong>Area</strong>s. The<br />
most widespread deprivation measures show that Strabane and Derry City areas suffer<br />
the most - ranking at 2 and 3 respectively, while Limavady achieved 7, Omagh achieved<br />
17 and Fermanagh achieved 22, out of a score of 26 (rank of 1 is the most deprived,<br />
and 26 the least deprived). (Source: www.nisra.gov.uk)<br />
2.1.3 Rural <strong>Area</strong><br />
The <strong>WELB</strong> is a rural area and as such this is represented in the <strong>Primary</strong> School<br />
provision. Many schools service a rural community and are the heart and soul of the<br />
local village and community resulting in the <strong>Primary</strong> School providing a pivotal role<br />
within the local community. In taking <strong>for</strong>ward <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning <strong>for</strong> <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong>, the rurality of the <strong>WELB</strong> is a major influencing factor in planning <strong>for</strong> the future.<br />
The <strong>WELB</strong> will ensure that where a <strong>Primary</strong> School has been identified as not<br />
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sustainable <strong>for</strong> the future learning and teaching provision <strong>for</strong> pupils within the area,<br />
every local area solution will be investigated to secure the provision. The <strong>WELB</strong> will<br />
work with the Boards of Governors and Principals to seek a local area solution.<br />
Innovate solutions are required to secure <strong>Primary</strong> School educational provision within a<br />
local community and both schools and the local community will be required to engage in<br />
solutions which currently are not being considered, such as Shared Education (see<br />
Sections 3.1.3 and 3.3). All education sectors are working together on both sectoral<br />
and cross sectoral options <strong>for</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong>.<br />
The <strong>WELB</strong> will focus on the retention of rural schools. However, within the current<br />
environment and where schools are identified as not providing the best provision <strong>for</strong> the<br />
local pupils, there will inevitably be schools which will have to close. The closure of a<br />
primary school will be only considered following investigation into all possible feasible<br />
solutions <strong>for</strong> retention. Where closure is the only feasible option, the <strong>WELB</strong> will work<br />
with the Board of Governors and parents to help minimise the impact of a closure on<br />
pupils and staff. The <strong>WELB</strong> has the needs of all pupils as its priority and will strive to<br />
ensure that all pupils have access to a high quality learning and teaching provision<br />
within a sustainable primary provision.<br />
2.1.4 Roads Infrastructure<br />
The <strong>WELB</strong> area services a rural area and this is reflected in the road networks. With<br />
the exception of Derry City, the roads networks servicing the primary school population<br />
are reflective of a rural area. The roads network provides challenges <strong>for</strong> <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
<strong>Plan</strong>ning as the roads network to rural schools adds to travel distance and travel times<br />
<strong>for</strong> primary pupils. In considering any proposals <strong>for</strong> non-sustainable schools, transport<br />
is a vital consideration in the future planning <strong>for</strong> the school.<br />
2.2 Current Provision<br />
The <strong>WELB</strong> currently has: 179 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
66%<br />
3%<br />
55 Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
119 Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
5 Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained &<br />
Controlled).<br />
<strong>WELB</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
31%<br />
- 10 -<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and<br />
Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant<br />
Maintained & Controlled)
The number of pupils attending schools by sector is detailed in the table below:<br />
Table 1: <strong>Primary</strong> Pupils Enrolment Numbers (2012 Census Non-Verified Data)<br />
Educational Sector <strong>Primary</strong> Pupil Enrolment<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Total - <strong>WELB</strong><br />
2.3 Cross Boundary Flows<br />
- 11 -<br />
7,806<br />
18,309<br />
1,180<br />
27,295<br />
In the analysis of enrolment numbers, the cross boundary flow of pupils was identified and the<br />
enrolment numbers adjusted to take account of cross boundary flows. Due to the close<br />
proximity of pupils living in one District Council <strong>Area</strong> they may opt to attend a school in another<br />
District Council <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
Cross boundary flows are a natural factor within <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> in the <strong>WELB</strong>. In<br />
consideration of traditional catchment areas of schools and parental choice trends, cross<br />
boundary flows within the <strong>WELB</strong> do not significantly impact on the current primary provision<br />
within an area.<br />
Table 2 below shows a representation of the numbers of pupils crossing the District Council<br />
boundaries which reflects the locations of schools situated mainly within the rural areas in close<br />
proximity to council boundaries.<br />
Table 2: Cross Boundary Flows – <strong>WELB</strong><br />
Cross-boundary<br />
inflows to DCs in<br />
Row Headings<br />
Coleraine<br />
Borough<br />
Council<br />
<strong>Area</strong><br />
Derry<br />
City<br />
Council<br />
<strong>Area</strong><br />
Dungannon<br />
District<br />
Council <strong>Area</strong><br />
Fermanagh<br />
District<br />
Council<br />
<strong>Area</strong><br />
Limavady<br />
Borough<br />
Council<br />
<strong>Area</strong><br />
Omagh<br />
District<br />
Council<br />
<strong>Area</strong><br />
Strabane<br />
District<br />
Council<br />
<strong>Area</strong><br />
Derry City Council<br />
<strong>Area</strong> 0 0 0 155 2 109 266<br />
Fermanagh District<br />
Council <strong>Area</strong> 0 0 1 0 35 0 36<br />
Limavady Borough<br />
Council <strong>Area</strong> 12 59 0 0 0 0 71<br />
Omagh District<br />
Council <strong>Area</strong> 0 0 34 68 0 68 170<br />
Strabane District<br />
Council <strong>Area</strong> 0 29 0 1 1 64 95<br />
Totals 12 88 35 69 156 101 177 638<br />
Total
2.4 Pupil Population Projections<br />
The following table is derived from the Needs Model <strong>for</strong> primary education developed by the DE<br />
and adopted by the ELBs and CCMS. The data has been derived from the 2010 Government<br />
Actuary’s Department population projections and the 2012/13 DE <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> Census data<br />
– yet to be verified.<br />
The <strong>Primary</strong> Needs Model projects the need <strong>for</strong> places over a 13 year planning horizon at ELB<br />
and District Council (DC) level. This is crucial to address the aim of aligning planned provision<br />
with future need <strong>for</strong> places, reducing levels of unfilled places.<br />
The Needs Model projections are presented in 3 subsets comprising broadly Controlled,<br />
Maintained and Integrated schools. Given the low numbers involved at District Council level, it<br />
is not possible to present the Irish Medium sector separately. The Irish Medium sector<br />
projections are included within the Maintained subset.<br />
The Needs Model is based on official published population projection statistics and takes<br />
account of the proportions of pupils living in one District Council <strong>Area</strong> but attending school in<br />
another. A key issue is that the figures provide a starting point – they may be changed across<br />
the sectors, District Council <strong>Area</strong>s or ELBs by agreement providing the control total is not<br />
breached. In other words, no sector is limited to the growth shown in the model. However, any<br />
additional growth must be accounted <strong>for</strong> through reductions elsewhere.<br />
The limitations of the Needs Model are recognised in projecting to 2025 and beyond. Whatever<br />
projections are applied are purely indicative and will be less accurate the longer the timeframe.<br />
However, the <strong>WELB</strong> will plan on the best in<strong>for</strong>mation available at any point in time. New<br />
population projections are published every 2 years and will be used to update the projected<br />
need <strong>for</strong> places.<br />
The <strong>WELB</strong> must ensure that <strong>Primary</strong> School places exist to equate to the 2025 projected<br />
number of primary pupils. The DE has undertaken a statistical analysis of the primary<br />
population across Northern Ireland in a ‘Needs Model’. The ‘Needs Model’ identifies the<br />
number of projected primary pupils to 2025.<br />
The ‘Needs Model’ categorises the projections by Education Board, Council <strong>Area</strong> and Sector.<br />
For the purposes of the ‘Needs Model’, Sector categories are defined as follows:<br />
Controlled - excluding Integrated and Irish Medium Controlled <strong>Schools</strong> but including Other<br />
Maintained Protestant Church <strong>Schools</strong>;<br />
Maintained - including all Irish Medium <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium Units but excluding Other<br />
Maintained Protestant Church <strong>Schools</strong>; and<br />
Integrated - including Grant Maintained Integrated and Controlled Integrated <strong>Schools</strong>.<br />
The tables below are populated with the statistical in<strong>for</strong>mation from the Needs Model specific to<br />
the <strong>WELB</strong> area.<br />
- 12 -
Table 3 shows the total number of projected pupils over the next 13 years <strong>for</strong> the <strong>WELB</strong> area.<br />
Table 3: <strong>WELB</strong> - Needs Model - <strong>Primary</strong> Pupils<br />
Year Controlled <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained &<br />
Controlled)<br />
- 13 -<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained<br />
& Controlled)<br />
Total - <strong>WELB</strong><br />
<strong>Area</strong><br />
2013 7940 18747 1155 27842<br />
2014 8022 18947 1171 28140<br />
2015 8167 19282 1193 28642<br />
2016 8306 19590 1211 29107<br />
2017 8355 19713 1220 29288<br />
2018 8388 19807 1227 29422<br />
2019 8356 19748 1224 29328<br />
2020 8304 19614 1217 29135<br />
2021 8251 19493 1208 28952<br />
2022 8181 19330 1197 28708<br />
2023 8096 19130 1183 28409<br />
2024 8034 18983 1174 28191<br />
2025 7960 18807 1163 27930<br />
% increase 2013-1025 0.25% 0.32% 0.69% 0.32%<br />
As a representation of the primary pupil enrolment statistics, the graph below shows the<br />
enrolments dip which the primary schools have experienced over the past number of years.<br />
While the projections show an increase, the increase does not reach the high enrolment<br />
numbers experienced in 2004. The <strong>WELB</strong> and CCMS have been planning <strong>for</strong> the reduction in<br />
pupil numbers, which as a consequence has resulted in an increase in the number of unfilled<br />
places in schools. Consultations with schools over the past number of years has resulted in<br />
rationalisations, mergers and closures of schools within the <strong>WELB</strong> area. This <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
<strong>Plan</strong> will build on this work with a more focused approach and all sectors are working together<br />
to reduce the number of unfilled places within the primary education sector to ensure that<br />
resources are focused on pupils learning and teaching experience.<br />
P<br />
u<br />
p<br />
i<br />
l<br />
N<br />
u<br />
m<br />
b<br />
e<br />
r<br />
s<br />
30500<br />
30000<br />
29500<br />
29000<br />
28500<br />
28000<br />
27500<br />
27000<br />
26500<br />
26000<br />
25500<br />
<strong>WELB</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>WELB</strong> School Enrolment Statistics: Historic and Projected - 2004-2025<br />
Historic Projected<br />
Year
Table 4 shows the approved enrolment number within the <strong>Primary</strong> Sector in the <strong>WELB</strong> area. In<br />
total there are 12,799 unfilled places. However, should there remain no change within the<br />
current approved enrolment this figure will decrease to 12,052 by the year 2025.<br />
Table 4: <strong>Primary</strong> Unfilled Places<br />
Year<br />
Total Pupils <strong>WELB</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
Unfilled Places<br />
2012 27295 39982 12799 *<br />
2025 27930 39982 12052<br />
* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places.<br />
The unfilled places have been further categorised by Sector as shown in Table 5.<br />
Table 5: Unfilled Places Breakdown by Sector: Current Year and projected to 2025<br />
Year<br />
Pupil<br />
Numbers<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and<br />
Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Pupil<br />
Numbers<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
- 14 -<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Pupil<br />
Numbers<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
2012 7806 11508 3714* 18309 27274 9046* 1180 1200 39*<br />
2025 7960 11508 3548 18807 27274 8467 1163 1200 37<br />
* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places.<br />
The <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> will consider reducing the number of unfilled places within the <strong>WELB</strong><br />
area and provide appropriate places within each Council <strong>Area</strong> and Sector. The following<br />
Sections of this document look specifically at each Council <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
2.5 Viability Audit Outcomes<br />
The in<strong>for</strong>mation above summarises the current position and the estimated need in future years<br />
<strong>for</strong> the <strong>WELB</strong>. The Viability Audit at 22 February 2012, provided an assessment of the<br />
provision against criteria <strong>for</strong> educational quality, sustainable enrolment and financial viability.<br />
The Viability Audit showed:<br />
90 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> have an enrolment below the minimum threshold of 104 pupils <strong>for</strong> a<br />
rural school and 140 pupils in an urban primary school. Of these, 76 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> have<br />
less than 86 pupils;<br />
6 of schools failing KS2 criteria;<br />
0 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> are in Formal Intervention;<br />
54 primary schools do not meet the minimum threshold of 4 teachers;<br />
28 schools have a projected deficit of 5% or greater of schools beneath 5% financial<br />
criterion; and<br />
19 primary schools are experiencing stress in 2 or more criteria.
3.0 CASE FOR CHANGE<br />
As identified above, the <strong>WELB</strong> is mainly a rural area and schools are located in areas of<br />
population concentration. Over the years with a decline in the primary school population and<br />
migration of pupils, the rural areas with the <strong>WELB</strong> have been greatly affected. While the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy refers to a minimum of 105 pupils as a rural school and 140 pupils<br />
as an urban school, the graph below identifies the number of the rural primary schools within<br />
the <strong>WELB</strong> area.<br />
Number of <strong>Schools</strong><br />
85<br />
80<br />
75<br />
70<br />
65<br />
60<br />
55<br />
50<br />
45<br />
40<br />
35<br />
30<br />
25<br />
20<br />
15<br />
10<br />
5<br />
0<br />
72<br />
<strong>WELB</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> by Enrolment Band - 2012/13<br />
17<br />
25<br />
20<br />
15<br />
7<br />
The <strong>WELB</strong> has a total of 179 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> of which 72 schools currently have less than 86<br />
pupils (representative of a 4 classroom school). The Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy identifies a<br />
rural school as having a minimum of 105 pupils. As the graph above shows, the <strong>WELB</strong> has 89<br />
schools which fall below this threshold.<br />
The <strong>WELB</strong>, while it recognises the rurality of its area, has a responsibility under the <strong>Strategic</strong><br />
<strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> to review all schools which fall below the threshold of firstly 86<br />
pupils and 105 pupils.<br />
Consideration will be given to the potential <strong>for</strong> retention of these schools if it can be<br />
demonstrated that due to geographical location or community isolation that retention is a viable<br />
and sustainable option which would avoid significant displacement of pupils, the requirement<br />
<strong>for</strong> travel times outside of the recommended maxima in the sustainable schools policy and<br />
which would avoid negative impacts on community engagement with the schools.<br />
In considering the sustainability of a school, the <strong>WELB</strong> will consider all six criteria within the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy: Quality Education Experience, Stable Enrolment Trends, Sound<br />
Financial Position, Strong Leadership and Management by Boards of Governors and<br />
Principals, Accessibility and Strong Links with the Community.<br />
In taking <strong>for</strong>ward the review, the <strong>WELB</strong> will meet with the Principal and Board of Governors of<br />
each school and work with the school community to consider a local area solution <strong>for</strong> the<br />
sustainability of the school. For some schools, the <strong>WELB</strong> has already engaged in discussions<br />
and local area solutions are being explored. <strong>Schools</strong> which are located in areas where the<br />
potential <strong>for</strong> a cross-sectoral solution exists will be identified. This will be a bottom-up<br />
- 15 -<br />
2<br />
10<br />
4<br />
1 1<br />
0-85 86-104 105-139 140-199 200-249 250-299 300-349 350-399 400-449 450-499 500-549 >=550<br />
Enrolment Bands<br />
5
approach with proposals emerging from communities to enhance significantly the educational<br />
opportunities and outcomes <strong>for</strong> pupils.<br />
For schools above the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> threshold, the <strong>WELB</strong> has a responsibility to ensure<br />
that they meet the needs of pupils. These schools may play a vital role in providing a local area<br />
solution <strong>for</strong> primary education within the area and to reduce the overall unfilled places within<br />
schools.<br />
3.1 <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning Common Approach<br />
All ELBs and CCMS have agreed to undertake the review of schools in a similar approach.<br />
While it is acknowledged that individual schools have individual circumstances, as an initial<br />
approach to the <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning process, three categories have been identified and<br />
schools within the thresholds below have been placed within the categories:<br />
No change is proposed at present<br />
Local area solution to be explored<br />
Managing authority has approved action<br />
3.1.1 <strong>Schools</strong> above the relevant sustainable schools thresholds of 105 pupils<br />
(rural) and 140 pupils (urban)<br />
No change is proposed at present<br />
<strong>Schools</strong> above the relevant sustainable schools thresholds of 105 pupils (rural)<br />
and 140 pupils (urban)<br />
These schools are currently sustainable schools. However, it is important to also take<br />
account of the potential impact on, and need <strong>for</strong> change in, one of these schools as a<br />
consequence of action taken to manage issues in respect of a local area solution.<br />
3.1.2 <strong>Schools</strong> below the sustainable schools rural threshold of 105 pupils<br />
Local area solution to be explored or Managing authority has approved action<br />
<strong>Schools</strong> with 4 teachers or with an enrolment above 86 pupils but below the<br />
sustainable schools thresholds of 105 pupils (rural) and 140 pupils (urban)<br />
Consideration will be given to the potential <strong>for</strong> retention of these schools if it can be<br />
demonstrated that due to geographical location or community isolation that retention is a<br />
viable and sustainable option which would avoid significant displacement of pupils, the<br />
requirement <strong>for</strong> travel times outside of the recommended maxima in the sustainable<br />
schools policy and which would avoid negative impacts on community engagement with<br />
the schools.<br />
<strong>Schools</strong> with an enrolment less than 86 pupils and a 3 teacher school<br />
Consideration will be given to the potential <strong>for</strong> re-organisation of these schools through<br />
amalgamation of these schools with other local schools, change to the governance of<br />
the schools through the establishment of a federated model with a school of a similar<br />
size or larger or the potential closure of the school.<br />
Consideration will be given to the creation of an amalgamated school which would have<br />
at least 4 teachers if it can be demonstrated that due to geographical location or<br />
community isolation that the creation of such a school is a viable and sustainable option<br />
which would avoid significant displacement of pupils, the requirement <strong>for</strong> travel times<br />
- 16 -
outside of the recommended maxima in the sustainable schools policy and which would<br />
avoid negative impacts on community engagement with the schools.<br />
<strong>Schools</strong> with an enrolment less than 86 pupils and a 2 teacher school<br />
A detailed review of the schools will be undertaken. While closure of two teacher<br />
schools will be considered as a base-line option, where there are a number of such<br />
small schools in an area consideration will also be given to the creation of an<br />
amalgamated school which would have at least 4 teachers if it can be demonstrated that<br />
due to geographical location or community isolation that the creation of such a school is<br />
a viable and sustainable option which would avoid significant displacement of pupils, the<br />
requirement <strong>for</strong> travel times outside of the recommended maxima in the sustainable<br />
schools policy and which would avoid negative impacts on community engagement with<br />
the schools.<br />
3.1.3 Exploring Local <strong>Area</strong> Solutions<br />
The <strong>WELB</strong>, CCMS and educational sectors are currently engaging with schools<br />
regarding primary school provision within the area. For schools identified within the<br />
individual District Council <strong>Area</strong>s – School Proposals as ‘local area solution to be<br />
explored’, this will involve discussions with the school regarding the local area provision.<br />
This does not mean that the schools will close, rather it will be a positive approach to<br />
retain, where possible, as many rural schools in accordance with the Terms of<br />
Reference as outlined in Appendix A. It should be noted, that exploring a local area<br />
solution, schools with three teachers or below will be the first focus of the education<br />
sectors.<br />
3.2 Review of Irish Medium Education<br />
CnaG has advised that the future development of Irish Medium (IM) education will be taken<br />
<strong>for</strong>ward through a Regional Strategy which will in<strong>for</strong>m the <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning process. A business<br />
case has been submitted to the DE by CnaG.<br />
3.3 Shared Education<br />
Shared education means the organisation and delivery of education so that it:<br />
meets the needs of, and provides <strong>for</strong> the education together of learners from all Section 75<br />
categories and socio-economic status;<br />
involves schools and other education providers of differing ownership, sectoral identity and<br />
ethos, management type or governance arrangements; and<br />
delivers educational benefits to learners, promotes the efficient and effective use of<br />
resources, and promotes equality of opportunity, good relations, equality of identity,<br />
respect <strong>for</strong> diversity and community cohesion.<br />
On 19 July 2012 the Minister of Education announced the establishment of a Ministerial<br />
Advisory Group on advancing shared education.<br />
The Advisory Group will engage with key stakeholders as well as interested groups and<br />
individuals and will report its findings to the Minister <strong>for</strong> Education.<br />
The <strong>WELB</strong> and CCMS are engaging in initial discussions to explore Shared Education in<br />
school and communities which have identified shared education as a possible solution <strong>for</strong> the<br />
future educational provision within their area. The findings of the Advisory Group will guide and<br />
in<strong>for</strong>m further discussions on Shared Education with schools.<br />
- 17 -
- 18 -
4.0 DERRY CITY COUNCIL AREA<br />
4.1 General Context<br />
The Derry City Council <strong>Area</strong> is located in the North West and shares its boundary with<br />
Limavady Borough Council <strong>Area</strong> and Strabane District Council <strong>Area</strong>. Pupils cross council<br />
areas to access primary provision due to the close proximity of schools and boundary areas,<br />
this is expected and does not impact significantly the local primary provision. Derry City<br />
Council <strong>Area</strong> also shares its boundary with Co Donegal. Currently there is no cross border flow<br />
of pupils and consideration will only be given to future cross border flow should there be an<br />
identified interest.<br />
4.2 Current Provision<br />
The <strong>WELB</strong> area has 179 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong>, 44 of which are located in the Derry City Council<br />
<strong>Area</strong>. 35 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> are located in the City boundary limits and are classified as urban<br />
schools with the remaining 9 being classified as rural schools within the Council <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
The Derry City Council <strong>Area</strong> currently has: 44 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
68%<br />
5%<br />
27%<br />
12 Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
30 Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish<br />
Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained &<br />
Controlled)<br />
2 Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained<br />
& Controlled).<br />
Derry City Council <strong>Area</strong> - <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
Table 6 below provides an overview of the <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> in the Derry City Council <strong>Area</strong> to<br />
include sector, enrolment statistics and number of teachers.<br />
- 19 -<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and<br />
Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant<br />
Maintained & Controlled)
Table 6: School Statistics<br />
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Sector<br />
Historic Enrolment Numbers<br />
08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12<br />
- 20 -<br />
Enrolment<br />
2012-13<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
2012-13<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
2012-13<br />
Number<br />
of<br />
Teachers<br />
2012-13<br />
2016124 Ashlea PS Controlled 71 59 51 50 54 230 176 4.00<br />
2012095 Ballougry PS Controlled 80 81 72 77 81 84 3 3.80<br />
2032278 Broadbridge<br />
PS<br />
Maintained 372 377 386 394 406 398 -8 17.00<br />
2036574 Bunscoil<br />
Cholmcille PS<br />
Maintained 135 122 116 100 97 196 99 7.00<br />
2036465 Chapel Road<br />
PS<br />
Maintained 181 183 190 193 199 276 77 9.60<br />
2032277 Craigbrack PS Maintained 99 88 71 53 42 138 96 3.00<br />
2012052 Culmore PS Controlled 78 73 74 84 82 95 13 4.00<br />
2016372 Cumber<br />
Claudy PS<br />
Controlled 124 119 131 128 137 199 62 6.00<br />
2012227 Drumahoe PS Controlled 245 245 234 238 237 290 53 11.25<br />
2010382 Ebrington PS Controlled 325 323 318 338 359 551 192 17.40<br />
2012245 Eglinton PS Controlled 205 198 195 189 191 230 39 8.62<br />
2016564 Fountain PS Controlled 65 70 72 72 66 141 75 5.60<br />
2046646 Gaelscoil Irish 128 122 36 120 114 145 31 8.00<br />
Eadain Mhoir Medium<br />
2046687 Gaelscoil na Irish 0 39 44 54 55 81 26 4.50<br />
Daróige Medium<br />
2032212 Glendermott<br />
PS<br />
Maintained 146 129 125 123 120 197 77 7.00<br />
2036288 Good<br />
Shepherd PS<br />
Maintained 395 378 382 366 354 408 54 17.56<br />
2016071 Greenhaw PS Controlled 246 245 241 226 241 254 13 14.00<br />
2052035 Groarty Controlled 31 32 41 41 40 63 23 3.00<br />
Integrated PS Integrated<br />
2036533 Hollybush PS Maintained 391 381 381 379 383 396 13 18.00<br />
2030381 Holy Child PS Maintained 223 215 218 208 196 404 208 13.00<br />
2036472 Holy Family PS Maintained 399 375 373 388 397 640 243 20.00<br />
2016203 Lisnagelvin PS Controlled 547 523 540 548 557 552 -5 24.62<br />
2032300 Listress PS Maintained 26 31 30 31 35 50 15 2.00<br />
2010380 Londonderry<br />
Model PS<br />
Controlled 325 313 306 301 290 380 90 15.00<br />
2036475 Longtower PS Maintained 255 237 228 228 217 605 388 11.00<br />
2033707 Mullabuoy PS Maintained 98 98 100 98 101 232 131 5.00<br />
2030373 Nazareth<br />
House PS<br />
Maintained 260 240 236 228 233 395 162 11.00<br />
2012261 Newbuildings<br />
PS<br />
Controlled 172 172 155 155 156 355 199 8.62<br />
2066558 Oakgrove<br />
Integrated PS<br />
Integrated 438 445 454 445 395 400 5 20.00<br />
2030364 Rosemount PS Maintained 220 233 217 234 249 523 274 14.00<br />
2036259 Sacred Heart<br />
PS, Trench<br />
Road<br />
Maintained 308 315 328 321 338 553 215 15.00<br />
2036069 St Anne's PS,<br />
Derry<br />
Maintained 487 464 436 416 440 724 284 18.00
Table 6: School Statistics (continued)<br />
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Sector<br />
Historic Enrolment Numbers<br />
08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12<br />
- 21 -<br />
Enrolment<br />
2012-13<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
2012-13<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
2012-13<br />
Number<br />
of<br />
Teachers<br />
2012-13<br />
2036142 St Brigid's PS,<br />
Carnhill<br />
Maintained 293 272 259 262 265 450 185 14.00<br />
2036082 St Colmcilles<br />
PS, Claudy<br />
Maintained 260 250 238 244 244 348 104 11.00<br />
2036247 St Columba's<br />
PS,<br />
Newbuildings<br />
Maintained 50 54 48 51 53 175 122 3.00<br />
2036473 St Eithne's PS,<br />
Ballymagroarty<br />
Maintained 495 450 449 435 443 552 109 22.00<br />
2036555 St Eugene's PS,<br />
Londonderry<br />
Maintained 166 169 156 151 151 261 110 8.00<br />
2036032 St John's PS,<br />
Bligh's Lane<br />
Maintained 582 553 549 567 577 726 149 27.00<br />
2032294 St Mary's PS,<br />
Altinure<br />
Maintained 201 202 199 190 180 200 20 8.20<br />
2036143 St Oliver<br />
Plunkett PS,<br />
Strathfoyle<br />
Maintained 157 161 159 165 172 273 101 8.00<br />
2036581 St Patrick's PS,<br />
Pennyburn<br />
Maintained 828 821 822 839 842 930 88 36.00<br />
2036227 St Paul's PS,<br />
Slievemore<br />
Maintained 150 146 137 129 119 527 408 8.00<br />
2036461 St Therese's<br />
PS, Lenamore<br />
Maintained 392 371 373 359 358 487 129 16.00<br />
2036084 Steelstown PS Maintained 422 399 380 359 350 657 307 17.00<br />
Totals<br />
11071<br />
10773<br />
10550<br />
10577<br />
10616<br />
15759<br />
5156*<br />
* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places. There are currently 2 schools oversubscribed by a total of 13 pupils.<br />
The table above shows the decline in pupil numbers over past four years within the Derry City<br />
Council <strong>Area</strong>. Since 2008 there are 455 less pupils in the primary schools which has resulted<br />
in 5,156 unfilled places in the area. The number of teachers (full time equivalent), currently<br />
employed within each school has been identified, as indicated in Section 1.3, to identify any<br />
school which falls below a four teacher school.<br />
4.3 Cross Boundary Flows<br />
In the analysis of enrolment numbers, the cross boundary flow of pupils was identified and the<br />
enrolment numbers adjusted to take account of cross boundary flows. Due to the close<br />
proximity of pupils living in one District Council <strong>Area</strong> they may opt to attend a school in another<br />
District Council <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
As indicated earlier in section 2.3, cross boundary flows are a natural factor within <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong> in the <strong>WELB</strong>. In consideration of traditional catchment areas of schools and parental<br />
choice trends, cross boundary flows within the <strong>WELB</strong> do not significantly impact on the current<br />
primary provision within an area.<br />
524.77
4.4 Pupil Population Projections<br />
Table 7, below, shows the total number of projected pupils over the next 13 years <strong>for</strong> the Derry<br />
City Council <strong>Area</strong>. The table shows an increase in numbers until 2019 after which the pupil<br />
numbers fall by 3.65% to below the current enrolment numbers within the area.<br />
Table 7 : Derry City Council <strong>Area</strong> - Needs Model - <strong>Primary</strong> Pupils<br />
Year<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
Maintained<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
and Irish Medium<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained<br />
& Controlled)<br />
- 22 -<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained &<br />
Controlled)<br />
Total<br />
Derry City Council<br />
<strong>Area</strong><br />
2013 2482 7907 446 10835<br />
2014 2501 7967 449 10917<br />
2015 2528 8054 454 11036<br />
2016 2559 8151 460 11170<br />
2017 2572 8191 462 11225<br />
2018 2576 8204 463 11243<br />
2019 2553 8129 459 11141<br />
2020 2518 8018 452 10988<br />
2021 2496 7946 448 10890<br />
2022 2469 7857 443 10769<br />
2023 2438 7755 438 10631<br />
2024 2419 7696 434 10549<br />
2025 2397 7625 430 10452<br />
Table 8 shows the approved enrolment number within the <strong>Primary</strong> Sector in the Derry City<br />
Council <strong>Area</strong>. In total there are currently 5,156 unfilled places.<br />
Table 8: <strong>Primary</strong> Unfilled Places<br />
Year<br />
Total Pupils Derry City Council<br />
<strong>Area</strong><br />
Approved Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
Unfilled Places<br />
2012 10616 15759 5156*<br />
2025 10452 15759 5307<br />
* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places<br />
The unfilled places have been further categorised by Sector as shown in Table 9.<br />
Table 9: Unfilled Places Breakdown by Sector: Current Year and projected to 2025<br />
Year<br />
Pupil<br />
Numbers<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and<br />
Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Pupil<br />
Numbers<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Pupil<br />
Numbers<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
2012 2451 3349 903* 7730 11947 4225* 435 463 28*<br />
2025 2397 3349 952 7625 11947 4322 430 463 33<br />
* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places<br />
Table 8 details the actual unfilled places within each school in the Derry City Council <strong>Area</strong>. In<br />
reducing the number of unfilled places, the proposals taken <strong>for</strong>ward within the <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> will<br />
reduce the number of unfilled places, but by the nature of primary schools, as identified in<br />
Table 8, the number of places is widely distributed throughout the Council <strong>Area</strong>.
4.5 Viability Audit Outcomes<br />
All 44 of the Derry City Council <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> were subject to a Viability Audit on 22<br />
February 2012. The Viability Audit provided an assessment of the provision against criteria <strong>for</strong><br />
educational quality, sustainable enrolment and financial viability.<br />
The Viability Audit showed:<br />
All of the primary schools within Derry City Council <strong>Area</strong> are experiencing unfilled<br />
places;<br />
35 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> classified as ‘Urban’ with 10 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> falling below the<br />
minimum threshold of 140 pupils;<br />
5 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> do not meet the minimum threshold of 4 teachers;<br />
There are no <strong>Primary</strong> schools in <strong>for</strong>mal intervention;<br />
The issue of underachievement only applies to 1 <strong>Primary</strong> School;<br />
2 schools have a projected deficit greater than 5%; and<br />
2 schools are experiencing stress within 2 or more criteria.<br />
The Viability Audit provided a baseline, at a point in time, on which to take <strong>for</strong>ward area<br />
planning. The in<strong>for</strong>mation provided by the Audit assisted the <strong>WELB</strong> in undertaking the<br />
<strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> in the Derry City Council <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
4.6 Proposal <strong>for</strong> the Derry City Council <strong>Area</strong><br />
In planning <strong>for</strong> the future need <strong>for</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> provision in the Derry City Council <strong>Area</strong>, the <strong>WELB</strong><br />
considered the Viability Audit and the future enrolment projections provided in the Needs<br />
Model. The <strong>WELB</strong> also considered current enrolment numbers and unfilled places which<br />
currently exist within the primary schools in the Council <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
2016124 Ashlea PS Local area solution to be explored<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
(The <strong>WELB</strong> has met with the Board<br />
of Governors regarding the<br />
downturn in enrolment numbers<br />
and budgetary projections. Due to<br />
the close proximity to other local<br />
schools and a recent ETI report<br />
which highlighted - it will be<br />
important that the employing<br />
authority, school governors and staff<br />
plan <strong>for</strong>, and manage, issues related<br />
to the sustainability of the school<br />
provision and school budget, in<br />
order to address the current and<br />
future need of the children and<br />
staff.)<br />
- 23 -<br />
A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 54 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
176 unfilled places in the school.
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (continued)<br />
2012095 Ballougry PS Local area solution to be explored<br />
2012052 Culmore PS Local area solution to be explored<br />
2016372 Cumber<br />
Claudy PS<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
- 24 -<br />
A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 81 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
Pattern of enrolment is increasing.<br />
A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 82 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
Pattern of enrolment is increasing.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2012227 Drumahoe PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2010382 Ebrington PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability. A<br />
new build 14 classroom school and nursery unit<br />
planned <strong>for</strong> 2017 will reduce the unfilled places<br />
in the local area.<br />
2012245 Eglinton PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability. A<br />
new build 8 classroom school is planned <strong>for</strong><br />
2015.<br />
2016564 Fountain PS Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 66 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy..<br />
75 unfilled places in the school.<br />
2016071 Greenhaw PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2016203 Lisnagelvin PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2010380 Londonderry<br />
Model PS<br />
2012261 Newbuildings<br />
PS<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled) (continued)<br />
2032278<br />
2036574<br />
Broadbridge<br />
PS<br />
Bunscoil<br />
Cholmcille<br />
2036465 Chapel Road<br />
PS<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
- 25 -<br />
A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 97 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
99 unfilled places in the school.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2032277 Craigbrack PS Managing authority has approved<br />
action in regard to this school<br />
2046646<br />
2046687<br />
Gaelscoil<br />
Eadain Mhoir<br />
Gaelscoil na<br />
Daróige<br />
2032212 Glendermott<br />
PS<br />
2036288 Good<br />
Shepherd PS<br />
CCMS will consult on a proposal to<br />
provide a new build solution to<br />
service the needs of 3 schools,<br />
Craigbrack, Mullabuoy and Listress<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong>, on the outskirts of<br />
Derry.<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
A Business Case on a Regional<br />
Strategy <strong>for</strong> IM education is<br />
currently with DE.<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
A Business Case on a Regional<br />
Strategy <strong>for</strong> IM education is<br />
currently with DE.<br />
A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 42 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
Pattern of low admissions.<br />
96 unfilled places in the school.<br />
A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 114 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 55 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
Pattern of enrolment - developing school,<br />
increasing admissions numbers.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2036533 Hollybush PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2030381 Holy Child PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2036472 Holy Family PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled) (continued)<br />
2032300 Listress PS Managing authority has approved<br />
action in regard to this school<br />
CCMS will consult on a proposal to<br />
provide a new build solution to<br />
service the needs of 3 schools,<br />
Craigbrack, Mullabuoy and Listress<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong>, on the outskirts of<br />
Derry.<br />
- 26 -<br />
A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 35 pupils is<br />
below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
2036475 Longtower PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2033707 Mullabuoy PS Managing authority has approved<br />
action in regard to this school<br />
2030373 Nazareth<br />
House PS<br />
CCMS will consult on a proposal to<br />
provide a new build solution to<br />
service the needs of 3 schools,<br />
Craigbrack, Mullabuoy and Listress<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong>, on the outskirts of<br />
Derry.<br />
A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/3, 101 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2030364 Rosemount PS Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
2036259 Sacred Heart<br />
PS, Trench<br />
Road<br />
2036069 St Anne's PS,<br />
Derry<br />
2036142 St Brigid's PS,<br />
Carnhill<br />
2036082 St Colmcille's<br />
PS, Claudy<br />
2036247 St Columba's<br />
PS,<br />
Newbuildings<br />
The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 53 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
Pattern of enrolment is declining.<br />
122 unfilled places in the school.
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled) (continued)<br />
2036473 St Eithne's PS,<br />
Ballymagroarty<br />
2036555 St Eugene's PS,<br />
Derry<br />
2036032 St John's PS,<br />
Bligh’s Lane<br />
2032294 St Mary's PS,<br />
Altinure<br />
2036143 St Oliver<br />
Plunkett PS,<br />
Strathfoyle<br />
2036581 St Patrick's PS,<br />
Pennyburn<br />
2036227 St Paul's PS,<br />
Slievemore<br />
2036461 St Therese PS,<br />
Lenamore<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
- 27 -<br />
The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored.<br />
A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 119 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
408 unfilled places in the school.<br />
The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable.<br />
2036084 Steelstown PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
2052035 Groarty CIPS Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a<br />
single classroom.<br />
3 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 40<br />
pupils, is below the minimum<br />
enrolment threshold detailed in the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
2066558 Oakgrove IPS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.
4.7 Vision <strong>for</strong> the <strong>Area</strong><br />
The <strong>WELB</strong>’s vision <strong>for</strong> the area reflects that of DE’s vision as detailed in the introduction to this<br />
<strong>Plan</strong> “To ensure that every learner fulfils his or her full potential at each stage of development.”<br />
In moving <strong>for</strong>ward with this vision, above in<strong>for</strong>mation details the proposals to be taken <strong>for</strong>ward<br />
within the <strong>WELB</strong>.<br />
As indicated in Section 1.3, the process of taking <strong>for</strong>ward proposals is complex and it will take<br />
time to carry out the <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> and it will be a rolling process which will continue over<br />
a number of years. In implementing this plan, the <strong>WELB</strong> has its own priorities, and the DE will<br />
also have a role to play in determining what can be af<strong>for</strong>ded.<br />
The graph below identifies the number of schools below and above the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong><br />
thresholds.<br />
The proposals <strong>for</strong> the Derry City Council <strong>Area</strong>, identified above, are a first step to ensuring a<br />
sustainable schools estate, and as the area planning process moves <strong>for</strong>ward all schools under<br />
the minimum Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy threshold will be reviewed. This will allow the <strong>WELB</strong><br />
to ensure the schools meet the needs of the area and the Terms of Reference as outlined in<br />
Appendix A. The <strong>WELB</strong> is very aware that the rurality of its area will mean that there will<br />
always be schools which fall below the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy threshold and it will only be<br />
through a local area solution to be reviewed that the <strong>WELB</strong> can justify the retention of schools<br />
below the minimum threshold numbers.<br />
Derry City Council <strong>Area</strong>: Summary of the Proposals (details above)<br />
Local area solution to be explored<br />
Ashlea PS<br />
Ballougry PS<br />
Bunscoil Cholmcille<br />
Culmore PS<br />
Fountain PS<br />
Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir<br />
Gaelscoil na Daróige<br />
Groarty CIPS<br />
Rosemount PS<br />
St Columba's PS, Newbuildings<br />
St Eugene's PS, Derry<br />
St Paul's PS, Slievemore<br />
St Therese PS, Lenamore<br />
- 28 -<br />
Managing authority has approved action<br />
Craigbrack PS<br />
Listress PS<br />
Mullabuoy PS
- 29 -
5.0 FERMANAGH DISTRICT COUNCIL AREA<br />
5.1 General Context<br />
Fermanagh District Council <strong>Area</strong> is in the South East and shares its boundary with Omagh<br />
District Council and Dungannon District Council. Fermanagh District Council is a rural council<br />
area with Enniskillen as the county town. Fermanagh District Council <strong>Area</strong> also shares a<br />
boundary with Southern Ireland. Currently there is no primary cross border flow of pupils and<br />
consideration will only be given to future cross border flow should there be an identified<br />
interest.<br />
5.2 Current Provision<br />
The Fermanagh District Council <strong>Area</strong> currently has: 43 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
61%<br />
Fermanagh District Council <strong>Area</strong> - <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
2%<br />
37%<br />
- 30 -<br />
16 Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
26 Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish<br />
Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant<br />
Maintained & Controlled)<br />
1 Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> School (Grant<br />
Maintained & Controlled).<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and<br />
Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant<br />
Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Table 10 below provides an overview of the primary schools in the Fermanagh District Council<br />
<strong>Area</strong> to include sector, enrolment statistics and number of teachers.
Table 10: School Statistics<br />
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> School<br />
Sector<br />
Historic Enrolment Numbers<br />
08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12<br />
- 31 -<br />
Enrolment<br />
2012-13<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
2012-13<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
2012-13<br />
Number<br />
of<br />
Teachers<br />
2012-13<br />
2011873<br />
Aghadrumsee<br />
PS<br />
Controlled 41 33 31 28 31 81 50 2.54<br />
2011893<br />
Ballinamallard<br />
PS<br />
Controlled 143 156 150 145 151 198 47 8.62<br />
2011860 Belleek No 2 PS Controlled 35 39 40 42 42 46 4 2.40<br />
2011894<br />
Brookeborough<br />
PS<br />
Controlled 61 62 60 58 61 116 55 3.40<br />
2046669<br />
Bunscoil an<br />
Traonaigh<br />
Irish<br />
Medium<br />
31 36 37 31 37 58 21 3.00<br />
2031892 Cornagague PS Maintained 56 49 48 52 Amalgamated with Corranny PS to <strong>for</strong>m St Macartan’s PS<br />
2031886 Corranny PS Maintained 73 71 80 77 Amalgamated with Cornagague PS to <strong>for</strong>m St Macartan’s PS<br />
2011899<br />
Derrygonnelly<br />
PS<br />
Controlled 40 37 36 37 44 98 54 2.00<br />
2066549<br />
Enniskillen<br />
Integrated<br />
Integrated PS<br />
240 244 245 246 233 244 11 11.30<br />
2016152<br />
Enniskillen<br />
Model PS<br />
Controlled 441 417 417 419 427 482 55 17.00<br />
2011881<br />
Florencecourt<br />
PS<br />
Controlled 111 113 107 105 102 116 14 5.12<br />
2036632 Holy Trinity PS Maintained 591 566 605 575 611 935 324 28.26<br />
2016151 Irvinestown PS Controlled 137 142 140 137 156 182 26 6.62<br />
2016003<br />
Jones<br />
Memorial PS<br />
Controlled 179 185 178 185 178 373 195 8.02<br />
2011787 Kesh PS Controlled 172 177 172 174 195 220 25 9.50<br />
2031897<br />
Killyhommon<br />
PS<br />
Maintained 61 60 63 66 62 116 54 3.00<br />
2016184 Lack PS Controlled 47 51 45 46 46 107 61 2.80<br />
2016218 Lisbellaw PS Controlled 194 189 192 184 193 232 39 8.69<br />
2016127<br />
Maguiresbridge<br />
PS<br />
Controlled 92 91 91 93 90 104 14 4.00<br />
2011789 Moat PS Controlled 107 112 108 105 113 195 82 5.00<br />
2011879<br />
Newtownbutler<br />
PS<br />
Controlled 46 51 55 54 60 104 44 4.00<br />
2036213<br />
St Columban's<br />
PS, Belcoo<br />
Maintained 127 114 116 106 103 172 69 5.00<br />
2036258<br />
St Davog's PS,<br />
Belleek<br />
Maintained 60 55 65 81 78 175 97 4.00<br />
2031888<br />
St Eugene's PS,<br />
Lisnaskea<br />
St John the<br />
Maintained 35 35 32 27 20 102 82 2.00<br />
2031887 Baptist PS,<br />
Roscor<br />
Maintained 74 65 63 51 50 73 23 3.00<br />
2036070<br />
St Joseph's PS,<br />
Ederney<br />
Maintained 136 130 128 120 116 169 53 6.08<br />
2036107<br />
St Joseph's PS,<br />
Donagh<br />
Maintained 75 77 73 78 80 158 78 4.00<br />
2036659<br />
St Macartan's<br />
PS, Roslea<br />
Maintained 128 145 17 6.00
Table 10: School Statistics (continued)<br />
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> School<br />
Sector<br />
Historic Enrolment Numbers<br />
08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12<br />
- 32 -<br />
Enrolment<br />
2012-13<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
2012-13<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
2012-13<br />
Number<br />
of<br />
Teachers<br />
2012-13<br />
2036105<br />
St Martin's PS,<br />
Garrison<br />
Maintained 91 101 92 99 87 171 84 4.00<br />
2031876<br />
St Mary's PS,<br />
Brookeborough<br />
Maintained 80 65 62 56 55 138 83 2.00<br />
2031884<br />
St Mary's PS,<br />
Killesher<br />
Maintained 67 71 70 74 82 91 9 3.00<br />
2031895<br />
St Mary's PS,<br />
Maguiresbridge<br />
Maintained 89 84 92 95 94 134 40 5.00<br />
2031890<br />
St Mary's PS,<br />
Mullymesker<br />
Maintained 116 112 120 121 134 109 -21 4.74<br />
2031869<br />
St Mary's PS,<br />
Maintained<br />
Newtownbutler<br />
135 141 148 153 153 244 91 7.00<br />
2036181<br />
St Mary's PS,<br />
Teemore<br />
Maintained 65 68 71 71 82 131 49 3.40<br />
2036356<br />
St Mary's PS,<br />
Tempo No 2<br />
Maintained 98 100 95 109 106 175 69 4.00<br />
2036090<br />
St Naile's PS,<br />
Kinawley<br />
Maintained 79 90 88 96 92 141 49 5.00<br />
2031880<br />
St Ninnidh's PS,<br />
Derrylin<br />
Maintained 134 137 134 129 121 145 24 6.00<br />
2031874<br />
St Patrick's PS,<br />
Derrygonnelly<br />
Maintained 130 123 126 116 124 198 74 6.00<br />
2031828<br />
St Patrick's PS,<br />
Mullanaskea<br />
Maintained 195 193 195 202 199 190 -9 8.60<br />
2031898<br />
St Paul's PS,<br />
Irvinestown<br />
Maintained 219 219 223 229 228 348 120 10.62<br />
2031901<br />
St Ronan's PS,<br />
Lisnaskea<br />
Maintained 245 225 228 251 256 406 150 13.00<br />
2031868<br />
St Tierney's PS,<br />
Roslea<br />
Maintained 78 82 83 94 92 196 104 5.00<br />
2031863 Tattygar PS Maintained 47 50 53 63 54 73 19 3.00<br />
2016102 Tempo PS Controlled 84 84 80 90 93 141 48 4.00<br />
Totals 5357 5302 5337 5370 5459 8032 2607* 259.71<br />
* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places. There are currently 2 schools oversubscribed by a total of 30 pupils.<br />
The table above shows the decline in pupil numbers over past four years within the Fermanagh<br />
District Council <strong>Area</strong>. Since 2008 there are 102 less pupils in the primary schools which have<br />
resulted in 2,607 unfilled places in the area. The number of teachers (full time equivalent),<br />
currently employed within each school has been identified, as indicated in Section 1.3, to<br />
identify any school which falls below a four teacher school.<br />
5.3 Cross Boundary Flows<br />
In the analysis of enrolment numbers, the cross boundary flow of pupils was identified and the<br />
enrolment numbers adjusted to take account of cross boundary flows. Due to the close<br />
proximity of pupils living in one District Council <strong>Area</strong> they may opt to attend a school in another<br />
District Council <strong>Area</strong>.
As indicated earlier in section 2.3, cross boundary flows are a natural factor within <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong> in the <strong>WELB</strong>. In consideration of traditional catchment areas of schools and parental<br />
choice trends, cross boundary flows within the <strong>WELB</strong> do not significantly impact on the current<br />
primary provision within an area.<br />
5.4 Pupil Population Projections<br />
Table 11, below, shows the total number of projected pupils over the next 13 years <strong>for</strong> the<br />
Fermanagh District Council <strong>Area</strong>. The table shows an increase in numbers by 2.7% (153<br />
pupils) in 2025 from the projections in 2013.<br />
Table 11 : Fermanagh District Council <strong>Area</strong> - Needs Model - <strong>Primary</strong> Pupils<br />
Year<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong> and Irish<br />
Medium <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained &<br />
Controlled)<br />
- 33 -<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained &<br />
Controlled)<br />
Total<br />
Fermanagh District<br />
Council <strong>Area</strong><br />
2013 1997 3397 229 5623<br />
2014 2018 3432 231 5681<br />
2015 2067 3517 237 5821<br />
2016 2112 3592 242 5946<br />
2017 2129 3621 244 5994<br />
2018 2140 3639 245 6024<br />
2019 2131 3624 244 5999<br />
2020 2121 3606 243 5970<br />
2021 2116 3598 242 5956<br />
2022 2104 3579 241 5924<br />
2023 2087 3549 239 5875<br />
2024 2071 3522 237 5830<br />
2025 2052 3489 235 5776<br />
Table 12 shows the capacity within the <strong>Primary</strong> Sector in the Fermanagh District Council <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
In total there are currently 2,607 unfilled places.<br />
Table 12: <strong>Primary</strong> Unfilled Places<br />
Year Total Pupils Fermanagh <strong>Area</strong><br />
Approved Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
Unfilled Places<br />
2012 5459 8032 2607*<br />
2025 5776 8032 2256<br />
* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places<br />
The unfilled places have been further categorised by Sector as shown in Table 13.<br />
Table 13: Unfilled Places Breakdown by Sector: Current Year and projected to 2025<br />
Year<br />
Pupil<br />
Numbers<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and<br />
Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Pupil<br />
Numbers<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Pupil<br />
Numbers<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
2012 1982 2795 813 3244 4993 1783* 233 244 11<br />
2025 2052 2795 743 3489 4993 1504 235 244 9<br />
* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places
Table 10 details the actual unfilled places within each school in the Fermanagh District Council<br />
<strong>Area</strong>. In reducing the number of unfilled places, the proposals taken <strong>for</strong>ward within the <strong>Area</strong><br />
<strong>Plan</strong> will reduce the number of unfilled places, but by the nature of primary schools, as<br />
identified in Table 10, the number of places is widely distributed throughout the Council <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
5.5 Viability Audit Outcomes<br />
All 43 of the Fermanagh District Council <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> were subject to a Viability Audit<br />
on 22 February 2012. The Viability Audit provided an assessment of the provision against<br />
criteria <strong>for</strong> educational quality, sustainable enrolment and financial viability.<br />
The Viability Audit showed:<br />
2 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> are oversubscribed;<br />
22 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> fall below the ‘Rural’ minimum threshold of 105 pupils;<br />
11 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> do not meet the minimum threshold of 4 teachers;<br />
There are no primary schools in <strong>for</strong>mal intervention;<br />
The issue of underachievement applies to 2 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong>;<br />
8 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> have a projected deficit of greater than 5%; and<br />
5 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> are experiencing stress within 2 or more criteria.<br />
5.6 Proposal <strong>for</strong> the Fermanagh District Council <strong>Area</strong><br />
In planning <strong>for</strong> the future need <strong>for</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> provision in the Fermanagh District Council <strong>Area</strong>, the<br />
<strong>WELB</strong> considered the Viability Audit and the future enrolment projections provided in the Needs<br />
Model. The <strong>WELB</strong> also considered current enrolment numbers and unfilled places which<br />
currently exist within the primary schools in the Council <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
2011873 Aghadrumsee<br />
PS<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
Local area solution to be explored<br />
.<br />
- 34 -<br />
A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2.54 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 31 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
50 unfilled places in the school.
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (continued)<br />
2011893 Ballinamallard<br />
PS<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2011860 Belleek PS Local area solution to be explored<br />
2011894 Brookeborough<br />
PS<br />
2011899 Derrygonnelly<br />
PS<br />
2016152 Enniskillen<br />
Model PS<br />
2011881 Florencecourt<br />
PS<br />
Shared education in the Belleek area<br />
to be investigated.<br />
Local area solution to be explored<br />
Local area solution to be explored<br />
- 35 -<br />
A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2.4 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 42 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 61 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 44 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability. A<br />
new build 16 classroom school and 2 speech<br />
and language classrooms is planned <strong>for</strong> 2017.<br />
Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 102<br />
pupils, is below the minimum enrolment<br />
threshold detailed in the Sustainable<br />
<strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
2016151 Irvinestown PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2016003 Jones Memorial<br />
PS<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2011787 Kesh PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (continued)<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
2016184 Lack PS Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2.8 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 46 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
2016218 Lisbellaw PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2016127 Maguiresbridge<br />
PS<br />
Local area solution to be explored<br />
- 36 -<br />
A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 90 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
2011789 Moat PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2011879 Newtownbutler<br />
PS<br />
Local area solution to be explored<br />
2016102 Tempo PS Local area solution to be explored<br />
A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 60 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified and need to be<br />
addressed.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 93 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
2046669 Bunscoil an<br />
Traonaigh<br />
Local area solution to be explored<br />
A Business Case on a Regional<br />
Strategy <strong>for</strong> IM education is currently<br />
with DE.<br />
Critical issues in the school/local area have<br />
been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3 teachers in 2012-2013..<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 37 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
2036632 Holy Trinity PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled) (continued)<br />
2031897 Killyhommon<br />
PS<br />
2036213 St Columban's<br />
PS, Belcoo<br />
2036258 St Davog’s PS,<br />
Belleek<br />
2031888 St Eugene's<br />
PS, Lisnaskea<br />
2031887 St John the<br />
Baptist PS<br />
2036107<br />
2036070<br />
St Joseph's PS,<br />
Donagh<br />
St Joseph's PS,<br />
Ederney<br />
2036659 St Macartan’s<br />
PS, Roslea<br />
2036105 St Martin's PS,<br />
Garrison<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
- 37 -<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 62 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
Shared education in the Belleek area<br />
to be investigated.<br />
Managing authority has approved<br />
action in regard to this school.<br />
Development proposal <strong>for</strong> closure<br />
published.<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
Shared education in the Belleek area<br />
to be investigated.<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
A number issues in the school/local area have<br />
been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 78 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number issues in the school/local area have<br />
been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 20 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
The schools cannot live within its delegated<br />
budget.<br />
A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 50 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 80 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
No change is proposed at present<br />
Formerly Corranny PS and<br />
Cornagague PS – amalgamated in<br />
April 2012<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 87 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled) (continued)<br />
2031876 St Mary's PS,<br />
Brookeborough<br />
2031884 St Mary's PS,<br />
Killesher<br />
2031895 St Mary's PS,<br />
Maguiresbridge<br />
2031890 St Mary's PS,<br />
Mullymesker<br />
2031869 St Mary's PS,<br />
Newtownbutler<br />
2036181 St Mary's PS,<br />
Teemore<br />
2036356 St Mary's PS,<br />
Tempo<br />
2036090 St Naile's PS,<br />
Kinawley<br />
2031880 St Ninnidh's PS,<br />
Derrylin<br />
2031874 St Patrick's PS,<br />
Derrygonnelly<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
- 38 -<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 55 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 82 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 94 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3.4 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 82 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
A number issues in the school/local area have<br />
been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 92 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability. .
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled) (continued)<br />
2031828 St Patrick's PS,<br />
Mullanaskea<br />
2031898 St Paul's PS,<br />
Irvinestown<br />
2031901 St Ronan's PS,<br />
Lisnaskea<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2031868 St Tierney's PS Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
2031863 Tattygar PS Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
.<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
- 39 -<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 92 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number of issues in the school and/or local<br />
area have been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 54 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
2066549 Enniskillen IPS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
5.7 Vision <strong>for</strong> the <strong>Area</strong><br />
The <strong>WELB</strong>’s vision <strong>for</strong> the area reflects that of DE’s vision as detailed in the introduction to this<br />
<strong>Plan</strong> “To ensure that every learner fulfils his or her full potential at each stage of development.”<br />
In moving <strong>for</strong>ward with this vision, above in<strong>for</strong>mation details the proposals to be taken <strong>for</strong>ward<br />
within the <strong>WELB</strong>.<br />
As indicated in section 1.3, the process of taking <strong>for</strong>ward proposals is complex and it will take<br />
time to carry out the <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> and it will be a rolling process which will continue over<br />
a number of years. In implementing this plan, the <strong>WELB</strong> has its own priorities, and the DE will<br />
also have a role to play in determining what can be af<strong>for</strong>ded.<br />
The graph below identifies the number of schools below and above the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong><br />
thresholds.
The proposals <strong>for</strong> the Fermanagh District Council <strong>Area</strong>, identified above, are a first step to<br />
ensuring a sustainable schools estate, and as the area planning process moves <strong>for</strong>ward all<br />
schools under the minimum Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy threshold will be reviewed. This will<br />
allow the <strong>WELB</strong> to ensure the schools meet the needs of the area and the Terms of Reference<br />
as outlined in Appendix A. The <strong>WELB</strong> is very aware that the rurality of its area will mean that<br />
there will always be schools which fall below the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy threshold and it<br />
will only be through a local area solution to be reviewed that the <strong>WELB</strong> can justify the retention<br />
of schools below the minimum threshold numbers.<br />
Fermanagh District Council <strong>Area</strong>: Summary of the Proposals (details above)<br />
Local area solution to be explored<br />
Aghadrumsee PS<br />
Belleek PS<br />
Brookeborough PS<br />
Bunscoil an Traonaigh<br />
Derrygonnelly PS<br />
Florencecourt PS<br />
Killyhommon PS<br />
Lack PS<br />
Maguiresbridge PS<br />
Newtownbutler PS<br />
St Davog’s PS, Belleek<br />
St John the Baptist PS<br />
St Joseph's PS, Donagh<br />
St Martin's PS, Garrison<br />
St Mary's PS, Brookeborough<br />
St Mary's PS, Killesher<br />
St Mary's PS, Maguiresbridge<br />
St Mary's PS, Teemore<br />
St Naile's PS, Kinawley<br />
St Patrick's PS, Derrygonnelly<br />
St Tierney's PS, Roslea<br />
Tattygar PS<br />
Tempo PS<br />
- 40 -<br />
Managing authority has approved action<br />
St Eugene's PS, Lisnaskea
- 41 -
6.0 LIMAVADY BOROUGH COUNCIL AREA<br />
6.1 General Context<br />
Limavady Borough Council <strong>Area</strong> located in the North West shares its boundary with Derry City<br />
Council, Strabane District Council, Coleraine Borough Council and Magherafelt District Council<br />
areas. Limavady Borough Council is a mainly rural area.<br />
6.2 Current Provision<br />
The Limavady Borough Council <strong>Area</strong> currently has: 19 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
- 42 -<br />
5 Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
13 Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish<br />
Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant<br />
Maintained & Controlled)<br />
1 Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant<br />
Maintained & Controlled).<br />
Table 14 below provides an overview of the <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> in the Limavady Borough Council<br />
<strong>Area</strong> to include sector, enrolment statistics and number of teachers.<br />
Table 14: School Statistics<br />
School<br />
Referenc<br />
e Number<br />
70%<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> School<br />
Sector<br />
Historic Enrolment Numbers<br />
08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12<br />
Enrolment<br />
2012-13<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
2012-13<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
2012-13<br />
Number<br />
of<br />
Teachers<br />
2012-13<br />
2012298 Ballykelly PS Controlled 275 283 241 241 244 586 342 10.16<br />
2012087 Bellarena PS Controlled 34 34 35 39 38 74 36 2.00<br />
2016029 Drumachose PS Controlled 231 222 228 231 229 413 184 11.00<br />
206656 Drumrane PS Controlled 93 92 89 104 106 116 10 4.50<br />
2033706 Faughanvale PS Maintained 121 128 151 163 164 279 115 8.00<br />
2046689 Gaelscoil Léim<br />
an Mhadaidh<br />
5%<br />
Limavady Borough Council <strong>Area</strong> - <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
Irish<br />
Medium<br />
25%<br />
(new school September<br />
2011)<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and<br />
Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant<br />
Maintained & Controlled)<br />
18 30 29 -1 2.00
Table 14: School Statistics (continued)<br />
School<br />
Referenc<br />
e Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> School<br />
2016700 Gaelscoil<br />
Neachtain<br />
2016426 Limavady<br />
Central PS<br />
2066665 Roe Valley<br />
Integrated PS<br />
2033708 St Aidan's PS,<br />
Magilligan<br />
2032265 St Anthony's PS<br />
(Roe)<br />
2036045 St Canice's PS,<br />
Dungiven<br />
2032263 St Canice's PS,<br />
Feeny<br />
2036149 St Finlough's<br />
PS, Sistrakeel<br />
2036187 St John's PS,<br />
Dernaflaw<br />
2036458 St Mary's PS,<br />
Gortnaghey PS<br />
2032286 St Matthew's<br />
PS, Limavady<br />
2036085 St Peter's & St<br />
Paul's PS<br />
2032287 Termoncanice<br />
PS<br />
Sector<br />
Historic Enrolment Numbers<br />
08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12<br />
- 43 -<br />
Enrolment<br />
2012-13<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
2012-13<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
2012-13<br />
Number<br />
of<br />
Teachers<br />
2012-13<br />
Controlled<br />
Irish<br />
Medium<br />
(new school September 2012) 63 175 112 3.00<br />
Controlled 521 502 475 480 474 595 121 20.41<br />
Integrated 125 138 158 153 176 174 -2 8<br />
Maintained 48 45 43 43 38 82 44 3.00<br />
Maintained 31 30 32 26 25 106 81 2.00<br />
Maintained 353 336 334 320 277 476 199 14.60<br />
Maintained 111 106 104 104 108 162 54 5.00<br />
Maintained 49 46 55 66 68 87 19 3.40<br />
Maintained 150 146 137 129 136 144 8 6.00<br />
Maintained 34 31 35 44 45 76 31 3.00<br />
Maintained 87 91 86 82 82 113 31 4.74<br />
Maintained 51 49 57 58 50 116 66 3.00<br />
Maintained 524 510 508 505 507 746 239 24.00<br />
Totals 2838 2789 2768 2806 2860 4549 1692* 137.81<br />
* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places. There are currently 2 schools oversubscribed by a total of 3 pupils.<br />
The table above shows a slight increase in pupil numbers over the past four years within the<br />
Limavady Borough Council <strong>Area</strong>. Since 2008 there are 22 more pupils in the primary schools<br />
which have resulted in 1,692 unfilled places in the area. The number of teachers (full time<br />
equivalent), currently employed within each school has been identified, as indicated in Section<br />
1.3, to identify any school which falls below a four teacher school.<br />
6.3 Cross Boundary Flows<br />
In the analysis of enrolment numbers, the cross boundary flow of pupils was identified and the<br />
enrolment numbers adjusted to take account of cross boundary flows. Due to the close<br />
proximity of pupils living in one District Council <strong>Area</strong> they may opt to attend a school in another<br />
District Council <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
As indicated earlier in section 2.3, cross boundary flows are a natural factor within <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong> in the <strong>WELB</strong>. In consideration of traditional catchment areas of schools and parental
choice trends, cross boundary flows within the <strong>WELB</strong> do not significantly impact on the current<br />
primary provision within an area.<br />
6.4 Pupil Projections<br />
Table 15, below, shows the total number of projected pupils over the next 13 years <strong>for</strong> the<br />
Limavady Borough Council <strong>Area</strong>. The table shows an overall decrease in pupils numbers by<br />
6.17% (166 pupils) in 2025 from the projections in 2013.<br />
Table 15 : Limavady Borough Council <strong>Area</strong> - Needs Model - <strong>Primary</strong> Pupils<br />
Year<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong> and Irish<br />
Medium <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained &<br />
Controlled)<br />
- 44 -<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained<br />
& Controlled)<br />
Total<br />
Limavady Borough<br />
Council <strong>Area</strong><br />
2013 1115 1586 156 2857<br />
2014 1130 1608 158 2896<br />
2015 1147 1632 160 2939<br />
2016 1165 1658 163 2986<br />
2017 1168 1663 163 2994<br />
2018 1163 1655 163 2981<br />
2019 1142 1626 160 2928<br />
2020 1136 1618 159 2913<br />
2021 1113 1586 156 2855<br />
2022 1090 1553 152 2795<br />
2023 1067 1520 149 2736<br />
2024 1058 1508 148 2714<br />
2025 1049 1495 147 2691<br />
Table 16, below shows the approved enrolment number within the <strong>Primary</strong> Sector in the<br />
Limavady Borough Council <strong>Area</strong>. In total there are currently 1,692 unfilled places.<br />
Table 16: <strong>Primary</strong> Unfilled Places<br />
Year Total Pupils <strong>Area</strong><br />
Approved Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
Unfilled Places<br />
2012 2860 4549 1692*<br />
2025 2691 4549 1858<br />
* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places<br />
The unfilled places have been further categorised by Sector as shown in Table 17.<br />
Table 17: Unfilled Places Breakdown by Sector: Current Year and projected to 2025<br />
Year<br />
Pupil<br />
Numbers<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and<br />
Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Pupil<br />
Numbers<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Pupil<br />
Numbers<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
2012 1091 1784 693 1593 2591 999* 176 174 0<br />
2025 1049 1784 735 1495 2591 1096 147 174 27<br />
* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places
Table 14 details the actual unfilled places within each school in the Limavady Borough Council<br />
<strong>Area</strong>. In reducing the number of unfilled places, the proposals taken <strong>for</strong>ward within the <strong>Area</strong><br />
<strong>Plan</strong> will reduce the number of unfilled places, but by the nature of primary schools, as<br />
identified in Table 14, the number of places is widely distributed throughout the Council <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
6.5 Viability Audit Outcomes<br />
One <strong>Primary</strong> School in the Limavady Borough Council <strong>Area</strong> opened on 1 September 2012, so<br />
there<strong>for</strong>e 18 of the 19 schools were subject to the Viability Audit on 22 February 2012. The<br />
Viability Audit provided an assessment of the provision against criteria <strong>for</strong> educational quality,<br />
sustainable enrolment and financial viability.<br />
The Viability Audit showed:<br />
All of the <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> within Limavady Borough Council <strong>Area</strong> are experiencing<br />
unfilled places;<br />
10 primary schools fall below the ‘Rural’ minimum threshold of 105 pupils;<br />
6 primary schools do not meet the minimum threshold of 4 teachers;<br />
There are no primary schools in <strong>for</strong>mal intervention;<br />
The issue of underachievement applies to 2 primary schools;<br />
3 schools have a projected deficit greater than 5%; and<br />
1 school is experiencing stress within 2 or more criteria.<br />
6.6 Proposal <strong>for</strong> the Limavady Borough Council <strong>Area</strong><br />
In planning <strong>for</strong> the future need <strong>for</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> provision in the Limavady Borough Council <strong>Area</strong>, the<br />
<strong>WELB</strong> considered the Viability Audit and the future enrolment projections provided in the Needs<br />
Model. The <strong>WELB</strong> also considered current enrolment numbers and unfilled places which<br />
currently exist within the primary schools in the Council <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
2012298 Ballykelly PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2012087 Bellarena PS Local area solution to be explored Critical issues in the school/local area have<br />
been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 38 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
2016029 Drumachose<br />
PS<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2016656 Drumrane PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2016426 Limavady<br />
Central PS<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
- 45 -
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
2033706 Faughanvale<br />
PS<br />
2046689 Gaelscoil Léim<br />
an Mhadaidh<br />
2016700 Gaelscoil<br />
Neachtain<br />
2033708 St Aidan's PS,<br />
Magilligan<br />
2032665 St Anthony's<br />
PS, Roe<br />
2036045 St Canice's PS,<br />
Dungiven<br />
2032263 St Canice's PS,<br />
Feeny<br />
2036149 St Finlough's<br />
PS<br />
2036187 St John's PS,<br />
Dernaflaw<br />
2036458 St Mary's PS,<br />
Gortnaghey<br />
No change is proposed at present<br />
Local area solution to be explored<br />
A Business Case on a Regional<br />
Strategy <strong>for</strong> IM education is currently<br />
with DE.<br />
Local area solution to be explored<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
No change is proposed at present<br />
No change is proposed at present<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
No change is proposed at present<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
- 46 -<br />
The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
New school established in September 2011.<br />
School to develop of the coming years.<br />
New school established in September 2012.<br />
School to develop of the coming years.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 38 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 25 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 68 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 45 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled) (continued)<br />
2032286 St Matthew's<br />
PS, Limavady<br />
2036085 St Peter's & St<br />
Paul's PS<br />
2032287 Termoncanice<br />
PS<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
No change is proposed at present<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
2066665 Roe Valley<br />
Integrated PS<br />
6.7 Vision <strong>for</strong> the <strong>Area</strong><br />
No change is proposed at present<br />
- 47 -<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 82 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
issues in the school/local area have been<br />
identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 50 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
The <strong>WELB</strong>’s vision <strong>for</strong> the area reflects that of DE’s vision as detailed in the introduction to this<br />
<strong>Plan</strong> “To ensure that every learner fulfils his or her full potential at each stage of development.”<br />
In moving <strong>for</strong>ward with this vision, above in<strong>for</strong>mation details the proposals to be taken <strong>for</strong>ward<br />
within the <strong>WELB</strong>.<br />
As indicated in section 1.3, the process of taking <strong>for</strong>ward proposals is complex and it will take<br />
time to carry out the <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> and it will be a rolling process which will continue over<br />
a number of years. In implementing this plan, the <strong>WELB</strong> has its own priorities, and the DE will<br />
also have a role to play in determining what can be af<strong>for</strong>ded.<br />
The graph below identifies the number of schools below and above the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong><br />
thresholds.
The proposals <strong>for</strong> the Limavady Borough Council <strong>Area</strong>, identified above, are a first step to<br />
ensuring a sustainable schools estate, and as the area planning process moves <strong>for</strong>ward all<br />
schools under the minimum Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy threshold will be reviewed. This will<br />
allow the <strong>WELB</strong> to ensure the schools meet the needs of the area and the Terms of Reference<br />
as outlined in Appendix A. The <strong>WELB</strong> is very aware that the rurality of its area will mean that<br />
there will always be schools which fall below the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy threshold and it<br />
will only be through a local area solution to be reviewed that the <strong>WELB</strong> can justify the retention<br />
of schools below the minimum threshold numbers.<br />
Limavady Borough Council <strong>Area</strong>: Summary of the Proposals (details above)<br />
Local area solution to be explored<br />
Bellarena PS<br />
St Aidan's PS, Magilligan<br />
St Anthony's PS, Roe<br />
St Finlough's PS<br />
St Mary's PS, Gortnaghey<br />
St Matthew's PS, Limavady<br />
St Peter's and St Paul's PS<br />
- 48 -<br />
Managing authority has approved action
- 49 -
7.0 OMAGH DISTRICT COUNCIL AREA<br />
7.1 General Context<br />
Omagh District Council is bordered by the council areas of Fermanagh and Strabane and to the<br />
east by the Southern Education and Library Board areas of Cookstown and Dungannon. The<br />
area has a mainly rural setting and due to this many pupils travel across boundaries to access<br />
primary education.<br />
7.2 Current Provision<br />
The Omagh District Council <strong>Area</strong> currently has: 42 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
72%<br />
2%<br />
Omagh District Council <strong>Area</strong> - <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
26%<br />
- 50 -<br />
11 Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
30 Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish<br />
Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant<br />
Maintained & Controlled)<br />
1 Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant<br />
Maintained & Controlled).<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish<br />
Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant<br />
Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant<br />
Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Table 18 below provides an overview of the <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> in the Omagh District Council<br />
<strong>Area</strong> to include sector, enrolment statistics and number of teachers.
Table 18: School Statistics<br />
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> School<br />
Sector<br />
Historic Enrolment Numbers<br />
08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12<br />
- 51 -<br />
Enrolment<br />
2012-13<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
2012-13<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
2012-13<br />
Number<br />
of<br />
Teachers<br />
2012-13<br />
2036557 All Saint's PS Maintained 20 32 34 53 66 111 45 3.00<br />
2036449 Christ The King<br />
PS<br />
Maintained 130 144 143 141 138 337 199 10.00<br />
2016663 Cooley PS Controlled 127 121 122 122 119 174 55 6.62<br />
2012660 Denamona PS Controlled 76 74 63 63 63 131 68 4.00<br />
2012707 Dromore PS Controlled 43 36 33 35 34 91 57 2.00<br />
2032639 Drumduff PS Maintained 47 47 44 45 40 74 34 3.00<br />
2032677 Drumlish PS Maintained 52 56 57 54 52 51 -1 3.00<br />
2012378 Dunmullan PS Controlled 63 64 59 54 47 78 31 3.00<br />
2046677 Gaelscoil na Irish 50 62 70 84 90 87 -3 5.80<br />
gCrann<br />
Medium<br />
2016089 Gibson PS Controlled 277 257 266 271 270 436 166 13.00<br />
2012648 Gillygooley PS Controlled 60 49 46 44 42 98 56 2.00<br />
2016395 Gortin PS Controlled 45 48 50 48 51 106 55 3.00<br />
2032712 Gortnagarn PS Maintained 58 52 43 36 31 66 35 2.00<br />
2036674 Holy Family PS Maintained 351 380 29 16.00<br />
2032628 Knocknagor PS Maintained 53 52 53 55 56 65 9 3.02<br />
2012671 Langfield PS Controlled 40 42 42 38 38 83 45 2.60<br />
2032537 Loreto Convent<br />
PS<br />
Maintained 191 197 198 197 Amalgamated with St Colmcille’s PS to <strong>for</strong>m Holy Family PS<br />
2032473 Magheralough<br />
PS<br />
Maintained 27 31 33 34 34 51 17 2.00<br />
2012344 McClintock PS Controlled 93 82 77 79 79 105 26 4.00<br />
2012691 Omagh County<br />
PS<br />
Controlled 305 307 288 265 277 393 116 13.80<br />
2066552 Omagh<br />
Integrated 324 335 337 347 336 319 -17 15.8<br />
Integrated PS<br />
2036415 Our Lady of<br />
Lourdes PS<br />
Maintained 101 101 105 111 106 134 28 5.00<br />
2012669 Queen<br />
Elizabeth II PS<br />
Controlled 56 51 49 49 40 61 21 3.00<br />
2032704 Recarson PS Maintained 130 119 114 113 120 131 11 6.00<br />
2032723 Roscavey PS Maintained 35 39 36 40 43 91 48 2.00<br />
2032721 Sacred Heart<br />
PS, Tattyreagh<br />
Maintained 88 91 93 94 92 102 10 3.80<br />
2032573 St Brigid's PS,<br />
Altamuskin<br />
Maintained 63 69 66 65 71 80 9 4.00<br />
2032662 St Brigid's PS,<br />
Mountfield<br />
Maintained 38 28 26 24 27 94 67 2.00<br />
2036053 St Colmcille’s<br />
PS, Omagh<br />
Maintained 189 187 171 164 Amalgamated with Loreto Convent PS to <strong>for</strong>m Holy Family<br />
PS<br />
2032737 St Columbkille's<br />
PS,<br />
Carrickmore<br />
Maintained 260 263 256 275 278 273 -5 13.97<br />
2036116 St Conor's PS,<br />
Omagh<br />
Maintained 391 378 379 374 375 408 33 17.00
Table 18: School Statistics (continued)<br />
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> School<br />
Sector<br />
Historic Enrolment Numbers<br />
08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12<br />
- 52 -<br />
Enrolment<br />
2012-13<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
2012-13<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
2012-13<br />
Number<br />
of<br />
Teachers<br />
2012-13<br />
2036186 St Dympna's<br />
PS, Dromore<br />
Maintained 95 117 137 158 174 145 -29 6.00<br />
2032688 St Eugene's PS,<br />
Tycur<br />
Maintained 41 41 37 35 33 48 15 2.00<br />
2032700 St Joseph's PS,<br />
Drumquin<br />
Maintained 93 97 103 96 95 175 80 5.00<br />
2032684 St Lawrence's<br />
PS, Fintona<br />
Maintained 196 203 193 202 217 243 26 11.00<br />
2032687 St Macartan's<br />
PS, Dromore<br />
Maintained 35 32 30 27 22 70 48 2.00<br />
2032607 St Mary's PS,<br />
Killyclogher<br />
Maintained 371 382 380 369 363 406 43 16.00<br />
2032612 St Matthew's<br />
PS, Garvaghey<br />
Maintained 27 32 33 30 29 81 52 2.00<br />
2036291 St Oliver<br />
Plunkett PS,<br />
Beragh<br />
Maintained 102 86 77 84 79 145 66 4.60<br />
2032705 St Patrick's PS,<br />
Eskra<br />
Maintained 61 66 74 72 75 86 11 3.30<br />
2032676 St Patrick's PS,<br />
Gortin<br />
Maintained 81 78 73 72 75 142 67 4.20<br />
2036153 St Scire's PS,<br />
Trillick<br />
Maintained 97 109 106 107 109 143 34 5.50<br />
2032731 St Teresa's PS,<br />
Loughmacrory<br />
Maintained 136 138 147 143 141 176 35 7.82<br />
2032603 Tummery PS Maintained 75 56 53 57 52 95 43 3.00<br />
Totals 4842 4851 4796 4826 4830 6565 1790* 246.83<br />
* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places. There are currently 5 schools oversubscribed by a total of 55 pupils.<br />
The table above shows that since 2008 the numbers have remained fairly steady in the primary<br />
schools in the Omagh District Council <strong>Area</strong> which has resulted in 1,790 unfilled places in the<br />
area. The number of teachers (full time equivalent), currently employed within each school has<br />
been identified, as indicated in Section 1.3, to identify any school which falls below a four<br />
teacher school.<br />
7.3 Cross Boundary Flows<br />
In the analysis of enrolment numbers, the cross boundary flow of pupils was identified and the<br />
enrolment numbers adjusted to take account of cross boundary flows. Due to the close<br />
proximity of pupils living in one District Council <strong>Area</strong> they may opt to attend a school in another<br />
District Council <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
As indicated earlier in section 2.3, cross boundary flows are a natural factor within <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong> in the <strong>WELB</strong>. In consideration of traditional catchment areas of schools and parental
choice trends, cross boundary flows within the <strong>WELB</strong> do not significantly impact on the current<br />
primary provision within an area.<br />
7.4 Pupil Population Projections<br />
Table 19, below, shows the total number of projected pupils over the next 13 years <strong>for</strong> the<br />
Omagh District Council <strong>Area</strong>. The table shows an increase in numbers over the years to show<br />
an increase of 7.43% (393 pupils) in 2025 from the projections in 2013.<br />
Table 19 : Omagh District Council <strong>Area</strong> - Needs Model - <strong>Primary</strong> Pupils<br />
Year<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong> and Irish<br />
Medium <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained &<br />
Controlled)<br />
- 53 -<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained<br />
& Controlled)<br />
Total<br />
Omagh District Council<br />
<strong>Area</strong><br />
2013 1092 3481 325 4898<br />
2014 1115 3557 332 5004<br />
2015 1145 3655 341 5141<br />
2016 1163 3711 347 5221<br />
2017 1176 3755 351 5282<br />
2018 1195 3818 357 5370<br />
2019 1211 3869 362 5442<br />
2020 1215 3882 363 5460<br />
2021 1212 3874 362 5448<br />
2022 1206 3855 360 5421<br />
2023 1197 3827 358 5382<br />
2024 1188 3797 355 5340<br />
2025 1177 3762 352 5291<br />
Table 20 shows the approved enrolment number within the <strong>Primary</strong> Sector in the Omagh<br />
District Council <strong>Area</strong>. In total there are currently 1,790 unfilled places.<br />
Table 20: <strong>Primary</strong> Unfilled Places<br />
Year Total Pupils <strong>Area</strong><br />
Approved Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
Unfilled Places<br />
2012 4830 6565 1790*<br />
2025 5291 6565 1274<br />
* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places<br />
The unfilled places had been further categorised by Sector as shown in Table 21.<br />
Table 21: Unfilled Places - Breakdown by Sector: Current Year and projected to 2025<br />
Year<br />
Pupil<br />
Numbers<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and<br />
Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Pupil<br />
Numbers<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Pupil<br />
Numbers<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
2012 1060 1756 696 3434 4490 1094* 336 319 0<br />
2025 1177 1756 579 3762 4490 738 352 319 0<br />
* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places
Table 18 details the actual unfilled places within each school in the Omagh District Council<br />
<strong>Area</strong>. In reducing the number of unfilled places, the proposals taken <strong>for</strong>ward within the <strong>Area</strong><br />
<strong>Plan</strong> will reduce the number of unfilled places, but by the nature of primary schools, as<br />
identified in Table 18, the number of places is widely distributed throughout the Council <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
7.5 Viability Audit Outcomes<br />
All 44 of the Omagh District Council <strong>Area</strong> were subject to a Viability Audit on 22 February 2012.<br />
The Viability Audit provided an assessment of the provision against criteria <strong>for</strong> educational<br />
quality, sustainable enrolment and financial viability.<br />
The Viability Audit showed:<br />
3 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> within the Omagh District Council <strong>Area</strong> are oversubscribed;<br />
28 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> fall below the ‘Rural’ minimum threshold of 105 pupils;<br />
20 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> do not meet the minimum threshold of 4 teachers;<br />
There are no primary schools in <strong>for</strong>mal intervention;<br />
The issue of underachievement applies to 1 primary school;<br />
8 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> have a projected deficit greater than 5%; and<br />
7 schools are experiencing stress within 2 or more criteria.<br />
7.6 Proposals <strong>for</strong> the Omagh District Council <strong>Area</strong><br />
In planning <strong>for</strong> the future need <strong>for</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> provision in the Omagh District Council <strong>Area</strong>, the<br />
<strong>WELB</strong> considered the Viability Audit and the future enrolment projections provided in the Needs<br />
Model. The <strong>WELB</strong> also considered current enrolment numbers and unfilled places which<br />
currently exist within the primary schools in the Council <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
2016663 Cooley PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2012660 Denamona PS Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 63 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
2012707 Dromore PS Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 34 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
- 54 -
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (continued)<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
2012378 Dunmullan PS Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 47 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
2016089 Gibson PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2012648 Gillygooley PS Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 42 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
2016395 Gortin PS Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 51 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
2012671 Langfield PS Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2.6 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 38 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
2012344 McClintock PS Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 79 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
2012691 Omagh<br />
County PS<br />
2012669 Queen<br />
Elizabeth II PS<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 40 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
- 55 -
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
2036557 All Saint's PS Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
2036449 Christ the King<br />
PS<br />
- 56 -<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 66 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2032639 Drumduff PS Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
2032677 Drumlish PS Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
2046677 Gaelscoil na<br />
gCrann<br />
Local area solution to be explored<br />
A Business Case on a Regional<br />
Strategy <strong>for</strong> IM education is currently<br />
with DE.<br />
2032712 Gortnagarn PS Managing authority has approved<br />
action in regard to this school.<br />
CCMS is to progress a consultation<br />
on the future of the school.<br />
2036674 Holy Family PS No change is proposed at present<br />
2032628 Knocknagor PS<br />
Amalgamation of Loreto Convent PS and<br />
St Colmcille’s PS in September 2012<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 40 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3.00 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 52 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 90 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 31 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3.02 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 56 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled) (continued)<br />
2032473 Magheralough<br />
PS<br />
2036415 Our Lady of<br />
Lourdes PS,<br />
Greencastle<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
- 57 -<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 34 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2032704 Recarson PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2032723 Roscavey PS Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
2032721 Sacred Heart<br />
PS<br />
2032573 St Brigid's PS,<br />
Altamuskin<br />
2032662 St Brigid's PS,<br />
Mountfield<br />
2032737 St<br />
Columbkille's<br />
PS,<br />
Carrickmore<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
CCMS is to progress a consultation<br />
on the future of the school.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 43 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number issues in the school/local area have<br />
been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 92 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 71 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 27 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
The school operates and Irish Medium Unit –<br />
Total school enrolment 278 inclusive of 58<br />
pupils attending the Irish Medium Unit.<br />
2036116 St Conor's PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled) (continued)<br />
2036186 St Dympna's<br />
PS, Dromore<br />
2032688 St Eugene's<br />
PS, Tycur<br />
2032700 St Joseph's PS,<br />
Drumquin<br />
2032684 St Lawrence's<br />
PS, Fintona<br />
2032687 St Macartan's<br />
PS, Dromore<br />
2032607 St Mary's PS,<br />
Killyclogher<br />
2032612 St Matthew's<br />
PS, Garvaghey<br />
2036291 St Oliver<br />
Plunkett's PS,<br />
Beragh<br />
2032705 St Patrick's PS,<br />
Eskra<br />
Managing authority has approved<br />
action in regard to this school<br />
Proposal to increase school capacity<br />
from 145 to 210 from 31 August 2013,<br />
or as soon as possible thereafter.<br />
Managing authority has approved<br />
action in regard to this school.<br />
CCMS is to progress a consultation<br />
on the future of the school.<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
- 58 -<br />
The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 33 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 95 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
Managing authority has approved<br />
action in regard to this school.<br />
CCMS is to progress a consultation<br />
on the future of the school.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 22 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 29 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 79 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 75 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled) (continued)<br />
2032676 St Patrick's PS,<br />
Gortin<br />
2036153 St Scire's PS,<br />
Trillick<br />
2032731 St Teresa's PS,<br />
Loughmacrory<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
- 59 -<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 75 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2032603 Tummery PS Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
2066552<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 52 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
Omagh IPS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
7.7 Vision <strong>for</strong> the <strong>Area</strong><br />
The <strong>WELB</strong>’s vision <strong>for</strong> the area reflects that of DE’s vision as detailed in the introduction to this<br />
<strong>Plan</strong> “To ensure that every learner fulfils his or her full potential at each stage of development.”<br />
In moving <strong>for</strong>ward with this vision, above in<strong>for</strong>mation details the proposals to be taken <strong>for</strong>ward<br />
within the <strong>WELB</strong>.<br />
As indicated in section 1.3, the process of taking <strong>for</strong>ward proposals is complex and it will take<br />
time to carry out the <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> and it will be a rolling process which will continue over<br />
a number of years. In implementing this plan, the <strong>WELB</strong> has its own priorities, and the DE will<br />
also have a role to play in determining what can be af<strong>for</strong>ded.<br />
The graph below identifies the number of schools below and above the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong><br />
thresholds.
The proposals <strong>for</strong> the Omagh District Council <strong>Area</strong>, identified above, are a first step to ensuring<br />
a sustainable schools estate, and as the area planning process moves <strong>for</strong>ward all schools<br />
under the minimum Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy threshold will be reviewed. This will allow the<br />
<strong>WELB</strong> to ensure the schools meet the needs of the area and the Terms of Reference as<br />
outlined in Appendix A. The <strong>WELB</strong> is very aware that the rurality of its area will mean that<br />
there will always be schools which fall below the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy threshold and it<br />
will only be through a local area solution to be reviewed that the <strong>WELB</strong> can justify the retention<br />
of schools below the minimum threshold numbers.<br />
Omagh District Council <strong>Area</strong>: Summary of the Proposals (details above)<br />
Local area solution to be explored<br />
All Saint's PS<br />
Denamona PS<br />
Dromore PS<br />
Drumduff PS<br />
Drumlish PS<br />
Dunmullan PS<br />
Gaelscoil na gCrann<br />
Gillygooley PS<br />
Gortin PS<br />
Knocknagor PS<br />
Langfield PS<br />
Magheralough PS<br />
McClintock PS<br />
Queen Elizabeth II PS<br />
Roscavey PS<br />
Sacred Heart PS<br />
St Brigid's PS, Altamuskin<br />
St Joseph's PS, Drumquin<br />
St Matthew's PS, Garvaghey<br />
St Oliver Plunkett's PS, Beragh<br />
St Patrick's PS, Eskra<br />
St Patrick's PS, Gortin<br />
Tummery PS<br />
- 60 -<br />
Managing authority has approved action<br />
Gortnagarn PS<br />
St Brigid's PS, Mountfield<br />
St Dympna's PS, Dromore<br />
St Eugene's PS, Tycur<br />
St Macartan's PS, Dromore
- 61 -
8.0 STRABANE DISTRICT COUNCIL AREA<br />
8.1 General Context<br />
Strabane District Council is bordered by the Council areas of Derry, Limavady and Omagh and<br />
to the east by the North Eastern Education and Library Board area of Magherafelt. Pupils cross<br />
council areas to access primary provision due to the close proximity of schools and boundary<br />
areas, this is expected and does not impact significantly on the local primary provision.<br />
Strabane District Council <strong>Area</strong> also shares its boundary with Co Donegal. Currently there is no<br />
cross border flow of pupils and consideration will only be given to future cross border flow<br />
should there be an identified interest.<br />
8.2 Current Provision<br />
The Strabane District Council <strong>Area</strong> currently has: 31 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
65%<br />
Strabane District Council <strong>Area</strong> - <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
35%<br />
- 62 -<br />
11 Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
20 Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish<br />
Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant<br />
Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish<br />
Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant<br />
Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Table 22 below provides an overview of the <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> in the Strabane District Council<br />
<strong>Area</strong> to include sector, enrolment statistics and number of teachers.
Table 22: <strong>Schools</strong> Statistics<br />
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> School<br />
Sector<br />
Historic Enrolment Numbers<br />
08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12<br />
- 63 -<br />
Enrolment<br />
2012-13<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
2012-13<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
2012-13<br />
Number<br />
of<br />
Teachers<br />
2012-13<br />
2032722 Altishane PS Maintained 38 34 38 30 28 48 20 2.00<br />
2016376 Ardstraw PS Controlled 59 54 51 48 Amalgamated with Drumlegagh PS to <strong>for</strong>m Ardstraw<br />
Jubilee PS<br />
2016701 Ardstraw Jubilee<br />
PS<br />
Controlled 74 108 34 4.62<br />
2016068 Artigarvan PS Controlled 134 122 109 108 104 175 71 5.88<br />
2032510 Barrack Street<br />
Boys' PS<br />
Maintained 131 126 122 119 125 285 160 9.00<br />
2016645 Bready Jubilee<br />
PS<br />
Controlled 87 87 97 108 119 145 26 5.00<br />
2012674 Bridgehill PS Controlled 46 35 34 33 28 105 77 2.00<br />
2012711 Donemana PS Controlled 95 89 90 88 86 162 76 4.20<br />
2012392 Drumlegagh PS Controlled 42 44 36 36 Amalgamated with Ardstraw PS to <strong>for</strong>m Ardstraw Jubilee<br />
PS<br />
2012638 Edwards PS Controlled 164 146 146 150 158 203 45 9.00<br />
2032631 Envagh PS Maintained 28 33 30 29 24 75 51 2.00<br />
2012617 Erganagh PS Controlled 43 39 42 41 44 107 63 3.00<br />
2032702 Evish PS Maintained 55 55 52 48 51 69 18 3.00<br />
2046638 Gaelscoil Uí Irish 131 121 127 128 129 150 21 9.00<br />
Dhochartaigh Medium<br />
2012641 Killen PS Controlled 92 96 98 98 94 110 16 5.00<br />
2032724 Loughash PS Maintained 37 30 28 28 27 56 29 2.00<br />
2016262 Newtownstewart<br />
Model PS<br />
Controlled 76 74 65 58 61 145 84 3.00<br />
2016442 Sion Mills PS Controlled 242 238 235 224 216 333 117 11.00<br />
2036389 St Anne's PS,<br />
Strabane<br />
Maintained 250 243 254 225 222 295 73 10.00<br />
2032685 St Brigid's PS,<br />
Cranagh<br />
Maintained 38 37 34 34 35 58 23 2.00<br />
2032694 St Caireall's PS,<br />
Castlederg<br />
Maintained 84 88 85 82 90 190 100 4.00<br />
2032730 St Columba's PS,<br />
Clady<br />
Maintained 94 98 108 105 108 142 34 5.00<br />
2032682 St Eugene's PS,<br />
Victoria Bridge<br />
Maintained 53 55 57 66 60 97 37 3.00<br />
2032600 St Francis of<br />
Assisi PS,<br />
Drumnabey<br />
Maintained 45 32 30 31 15 104 89 2.00<br />
2032683 St Joseph's PS,<br />
Glenmornan<br />
Maintained 32 37 33 36 42 72 30 3.00<br />
2032689 St Mary’s Boys’<br />
PS, Strabane<br />
393 372 361 348 Amalgamated with St Mary’s Girls’ PS to <strong>for</strong>m St Mary’s PS<br />
2036096 St Mary’s Girls’<br />
PS, Strabane<br />
266 247 255 249 Amalgamated with St Mary’s Boys’ PS to <strong>for</strong>m St Mary’s PS
Table 22: <strong>Schools</strong> Statistics (continued)<br />
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> School<br />
Sector<br />
Historic Enrolment Numbers<br />
08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12<br />
- 64 -<br />
Enrolment<br />
2012-13<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
2012-13<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
2012-13<br />
Number<br />
of<br />
Teachers<br />
2012-13<br />
2036095 St Mary's PS,<br />
Cloughcor<br />
Maintained 192 195 202 198 188 197 9 8.00<br />
2036696 St Mary's PS,<br />
Strabane<br />
Maintained 596 600 4 27.00<br />
2036094 St Patrick's PS,<br />
Castlederg<br />
Maintained 201 200 195 202 222 259 37 11.00<br />
2036387 St Patrick's PS,<br />
Dunamanagh<br />
Maintained 42 36 37 42 41 106 65 2.00<br />
2036008 St Patrick's PS,<br />
Newtownstewart<br />
Maintained 146 142 124 123 113 145 32 6.00<br />
2036097 St Peter's PS,<br />
Plumbridge<br />
Maintained 88 82 81 76 75 140 65 4.00<br />
2036459 St Theresa's PS,<br />
Glebe<br />
Maintained 125 131 119 120 117 165 48 5.00<br />
2012708 Strabane PS Controlled 235 224 232 232 238 231 -7 11.57<br />
Totals 3784 3642 3607 3543 3530 5077 1554* 183.27<br />
* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places. There is currently 1 school oversubscribed by a total of 7 pupils.<br />
The table above shows the decline in pupil numbers over the past four years within the<br />
Strabane District Council <strong>Area</strong>. Since 2008 the numbers have decreased by 254 pupils in the<br />
primary schools which have resulted in 1,554 unfilled places in the area. The number of<br />
teachers (full time equivalent), currently employed within each school has been identified, as<br />
indicated in Section 1.3, to identify any school which falls below a four teacher school.<br />
8.3 Cross Boundary Flows<br />
In the analysis of enrolment numbers, the cross boundary flow of pupils was identified and the<br />
enrolment numbers adjusted to take account of cross boundary flows. Due to the close<br />
proximity of pupils living in one District Council <strong>Area</strong> they may opt to attend a school in another<br />
District Council <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
As indicated earlier in section 2.3, cross boundary flows are a natural factor within <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong> in the <strong>WELB</strong>. In consideration of traditional catchment areas of schools and parental<br />
choice trends, cross boundary flows within the <strong>WELB</strong> do not significantly impact on the current<br />
primary provision within an area.<br />
8.4 Pupil Population Projections<br />
Table 23, below, shows the total number of projected pupils over the next 13 years <strong>for</strong> the<br />
Strabane District Council <strong>Area</strong>. The table shows an increase in numbers over the years to<br />
show an increase of 2.47% (92 pupils) in 2025 from the projections in 2013.
Table 23 : Strabane District Council <strong>Area</strong> - Needs Model - <strong>Primary</strong> Pupils<br />
Year<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong> and Irish<br />
Medium <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained &<br />
Controlled)<br />
- 65 -<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained<br />
& Controlled)<br />
Total<br />
Strabane District<br />
Council <strong>Area</strong><br />
2013 1254 2376 0 3630<br />
2014 1259 2384 0 3643<br />
2015 1280 2424 0 3704<br />
2016 1307 2477 0 3784<br />
2017 1310 2483 0 3793<br />
2018 1315 2491 0 3806<br />
2019 1319 2499 0 3818<br />
2020 1314 2490 0 3804<br />
2021 1313 2490 0 3803<br />
2022 1311 2487 0 3798<br />
2023 1307 2480 0 3787<br />
2024 1297 2460 0 3757<br />
2025 1285 2437 0 3722<br />
Table 24, below, shows the approved enrolment number within the <strong>Primary</strong> Sector in the<br />
Strabane District Council <strong>Area</strong>. In total there are currently 1,554 unfilled places.<br />
Table 24: <strong>Primary</strong> Unfilled Places<br />
Year Total Pupils <strong>Area</strong><br />
Approved Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
Unfilled Places<br />
2012 3530 5077 1554*<br />
2025 3722 5077 1355<br />
* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places<br />
The unfilled places have been further categorised by Sector as shown in Table 25.<br />
Table 25: Unfilled Places Breakdown by Sector: Current Year and projected to 2025<br />
Year<br />
Pupil<br />
Numbers<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong><br />
<strong>Schools</strong><br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and<br />
Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Pupil<br />
Numbers<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
Integrated <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
(Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
Pupil<br />
Numbers<br />
Approved<br />
Enrolment<br />
Number<br />
2012 1222 1824 609* 2308 3253 945 0 0 0<br />
2025 1285 1824 539 2437 3253 816 0 0 0<br />
* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places<br />
Unfilled<br />
Places<br />
Table 25 details the actual unfilled places within each school in the Strabane District Council<br />
<strong>Area</strong>. In reducing the number of unfilled places, the proposals taken <strong>for</strong>ward within the <strong>Area</strong><br />
<strong>Plan</strong> will reduce the number of unfilled places, but by the nature of primary schools, as<br />
identified in Table 22, the number of places is widely distributed throughout the Council <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
8.5 Viability Audit Outcomes<br />
All 31 of the Strabane District Council <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> were subject to a Viability Audit on<br />
22 February 2012. The Viability Audit provided an assessment of the provision against criteria<br />
<strong>for</strong> educational quality, sustainable enrolment and financial viability.
The Viability Audit showed:<br />
2 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> in the Strabane District Council <strong>Area</strong> are oversubscribed;<br />
17 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> fall below the ‘Rural’ minimum threshold of 105 pupils;<br />
12 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> do not meet the minimum threshold of 4 teachers;<br />
There are no <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> in <strong>for</strong>mal intervention;<br />
7 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> have a projected deficit greater than 5%; and<br />
4 <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> are experiencing stress in 2 or more criteria.<br />
8.6 Proposal <strong>for</strong> the Strabane District Council <strong>Area</strong><br />
In planning <strong>for</strong> the future need <strong>for</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> provision in the Strabane District Council <strong>Area</strong>, the<br />
<strong>WELB</strong> considered the Viability Audit and the future enrolment projections provided in the Needs<br />
Model. The <strong>WELB</strong> also considered current enrolment numbers and unfilled places which<br />
currently exist within the primary schools in the Council <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
2016376 Ardstraw<br />
Jubilee PS<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
No change is proposed at present<br />
Ardstraw PS and Drumlegagh PS<br />
amalgamated on 1 September 2012,<br />
to <strong>for</strong>m Ardstraw Jubilee PS.<br />
- 66 -<br />
Amalgamated School to develop as a newly<br />
amalgamated school<br />
2016068 Artigarvan PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2016645 Bready Jubilee<br />
PS<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2012674 Bridgehill PS Managing authority has approved<br />
action in regard to this school.<br />
Development Proposal <strong>for</strong> the<br />
school to close on 31 August 2013<br />
has been published.<br />
2012711 Donemana PS Local area solution to be explored<br />
Critical issues in the school/local area have<br />
been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 28 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
The schools cannot live within its delegated<br />
budget.<br />
Critical issues in the school/local area have<br />
been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 86 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Controlled <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (continued)<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
2012638 Edwards PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2012617 Erganagh PS Local area solution to be explored Critical issues in the school/local area have<br />
been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 44 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
2012641 Killen PS Local area solution to be explored Critical issues in the school/local area have<br />
been identified.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 94 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
2016262 Newtownstew<br />
art PS<br />
Local area solution to be explored<br />
- 67 -<br />
Critical issues in the school/local area have<br />
been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 61 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
2016442 Sion Mills PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
2012708 Strabane PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled)<br />
2032722 Altishane PS Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
2032510 Barrack Street<br />
Boys' PS,<br />
Strabane<br />
Managing authority has approved<br />
action in regard to this school.<br />
CCMS is to consult on the potential<br />
amalgamation with St Anne's PS,<br />
Strabane<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 28 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled) (continued)<br />
2032631 Envagh PS Managing authority has approved<br />
action in regard to this school.<br />
CCMS to consult on the potential<br />
closure of the school.<br />
2032702 Evish PS Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
2046638 Gaelscoil Uí<br />
Dhochartaigh<br />
A review of the provision to be<br />
completed.<br />
No change is proposed at present<br />
A Business Case on a Regional<br />
Strategy <strong>for</strong> IM education is<br />
currently with DE.<br />
2032724 Loughash PS Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
2036389 St Anne's PS,<br />
Strabane<br />
2032685 St Brigid's PS,<br />
Cranagh<br />
2032694 St Caireall's<br />
PS, Castlederg<br />
2032730 St Columba's<br />
PS, Clady<br />
Managing authority has approved<br />
action in regard to this school.<br />
CCMS to consult on the potential<br />
amalgamation with Barrack Street<br />
Boys’ PS<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
- 68 -<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 24 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 51 pupils, is<br />
below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 27 pupils, is<br />
below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 35 pupils, is<br />
below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified..<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 90 pupils, is<br />
below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled) (continued)<br />
2032682 St Eugene's<br />
PS, Victoria<br />
Bridge<br />
2032600 St Francis of<br />
Assisi PS<br />
2032683 St Joseph's PS,<br />
Glenmornan<br />
2036095 St Mary's PS,<br />
Cloughcor<br />
2036696 St Mary's PS,<br />
Strabane<br />
2036094 St Patrick's PS,<br />
Castlederg<br />
2036387 St Patrick's PS,<br />
Dunamanagh<br />
2036008 St Patrick's PS,<br />
Newtownstew<br />
art<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
Managing authority has approved<br />
action in regard to this school.<br />
CCMS is to consult on the potential<br />
closure of the school.<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
- 69 -<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 60 pupils, is<br />
below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 16 pupils,<br />
is below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
The schools cannot live within its delegated<br />
budget.<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
3 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 42 pupils, is<br />
below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
No change is proposed at present<br />
Amalgamation of St Mary’s Girls’<br />
and St Mary’s Boys’ <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
on 1 September 2012<br />
The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified.<br />
More than 2 composite classes in a single<br />
classroom.<br />
2 teachers in 2012-2013.<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 41 pupils, is<br />
below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.
School<br />
Reference<br />
Number<br />
<strong>Primary</strong><br />
School<br />
Proposal Action<br />
(Based on the Terms of Reference <strong>for</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Based <strong>Plan</strong>ning (December 2011) and the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy<br />
Maintained <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> and Irish Medium <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> (Grant Maintained & Controlled) (continued)<br />
2036097 St Peter's PS,<br />
Plumbridge<br />
2036459 St Theresa's<br />
PS, Glebe<br />
8.7 Vision <strong>for</strong> the <strong>Area</strong><br />
Local area/parish solution to be<br />
explored<br />
- 70 -<br />
A number of issues in the school/local area<br />
have been identified..<br />
School’s enrolment <strong>for</strong> 2012/13, 75 pupils, is<br />
below the minimum enrolment threshold<br />
detailed in the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be<br />
sustainable within the local area context in<br />
relation to enrolment and financial viability.<br />
The <strong>WELB</strong>’s vision <strong>for</strong> the area reflects that of DE’s vision as detailed in the introduction to this<br />
<strong>Plan</strong> “To ensure that every learner fulfils his or her full potential at each stage of development.”<br />
In moving <strong>for</strong>ward with this vision, above in<strong>for</strong>mation details the proposals to be taken <strong>for</strong>ward<br />
within the <strong>WELB</strong>.<br />
As indicated in section 1.3, the process of taking <strong>for</strong>ward proposals is complex and it will take<br />
time to carry out the <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> and it will be a rolling process which will continue over<br />
a number of years. In implementing this plan, the <strong>WELB</strong> has its own priorities, and the DE will<br />
also have a role to play in determining what can be af<strong>for</strong>ded.<br />
The graph below identifies the number of schools below and above the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong><br />
thresholds.<br />
The proposals <strong>for</strong> the Strabane District Council <strong>Area</strong>, identified above, are a first step to<br />
ensuring a sustainable schools estate, and as the area planning process moves <strong>for</strong>ward all<br />
schools under the minimum Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy threshold will be reviewed. This will<br />
allow the <strong>WELB</strong> to ensure the schools meet the needs of the area and the Terms of Reference<br />
as outlined in Appendix A. The <strong>WELB</strong> is very aware that the rurality of its area will mean that<br />
there will always be schools which fall below the Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy threshold and it<br />
will only be through a local area solution to be reviewed that the <strong>WELB</strong> can justify the retention<br />
of schools below the minimum threshold numbers.
Strabane District Council <strong>Area</strong>: Summary of the Proposals (details above)<br />
Local area solution to be explored<br />
Altishane PS<br />
Donemana PS<br />
Erganagh PS<br />
Evish PS<br />
Killen PS<br />
Loughash PS<br />
Newtownstewart PS<br />
St Brigid's PS, Cranagh<br />
St Caireall's PS, Castlederg<br />
St Columba's PS, Clady<br />
St Eugene's PS, Victoria Bridge<br />
St Joseph's PS, Glenmornan<br />
St Patrick's PS, Dunamanagh<br />
St Peter's PS, Plumbridge<br />
- 71 -<br />
Managing authority has approved action<br />
Barrack Street Boys' PS, Strabane<br />
Bridgehill PS<br />
Envagh PS<br />
St Anne's PS, Strabane<br />
St Francis of Assisi PS
9.0 THE PROCESS OF TAKING FORWARD THE PROPOSALS<br />
The Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, states that it is the: ‘Duty of Boards<br />
to secure provision of <strong>Primary</strong> and Secondary Education’.<br />
The <strong>WELB</strong> recognises its duty to:<br />
‘secure that there are available in its area sufficient schools <strong>for</strong> providing primary and<br />
secondary education and the schools available <strong>for</strong> an area shall not be deemed to be sufficient<br />
unless they are sufficient in number, character and equipment to af<strong>for</strong>d <strong>for</strong> all pupils opportunity<br />
<strong>for</strong> education offering such variety of instruction and training as may be desirable in view of<br />
their different ages, abilities and aptitudes and of the different periods <strong>for</strong> which they may be<br />
expected to remain at school, including practical instruction and training appropriate to their<br />
respective needs’ (Part 3, Article 6).<br />
The <strong>WELB</strong>, working in close conjunction with CCMS and actively engaging with other sectors,<br />
CnaG, GBA and NICIE established a Working Group to expedite the <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning Process.<br />
The submission of the <strong>Draft</strong> <strong>WELB</strong> <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> Provision <strong>for</strong> the <strong>WELB</strong>, on<br />
14 February 2013, is the result of the collaboration and sharing across all educational sectors<br />
through the <strong>WELB</strong> Putting Pupils First: Shaping Our Future Working Group.<br />
Subject to DE approval to the recommendations contained within the <strong>Draft</strong> <strong>WELB</strong> <strong>Strategic</strong><br />
<strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> Provision, the <strong>WELB</strong> will undertake public consultation in partnership<br />
with the DE.<br />
10.0 CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN THE SCHOOLS ESTATE<br />
In taking <strong>for</strong>ward many of the amalgamations/mergers and expansion of schools, capital<br />
investment is required to take <strong>for</strong>ward solutions and provide improvements to the schools<br />
estate under <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong>. Within the area, new build schools and<br />
capital investment <strong>for</strong> extensions and/or refurbishments will be taken <strong>for</strong>ward in schools which<br />
the <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> and managing authorities identify as schools meeting the long term<br />
educational needs of pupils within the area.<br />
The <strong>WELB</strong>, CCMS and other sectors have identified sustainable schools which the <strong>Strategic</strong><br />
<strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> identified as ‘no change at present’ but the condition of their current building would<br />
require investment <strong>for</strong> a new school building. Capital investment in the <strong>WELB</strong> schools estate<br />
will be taken <strong>for</strong>ward through the Capital Investment Programme and the <strong>Schools</strong><br />
Enhancement Programme.<br />
11.0 ISSUE FOR CONSIDERATION<br />
The Education Minister, John O'Dowd’s recent appointment of Sir Robert Salisbury to lead an<br />
independent panel to undertake the review of the Common Funding Scheme <strong>for</strong> <strong>Schools</strong>. On<br />
21 January 2013, an Independent Review of the Common Funding Scheme was published.<br />
The recommendations of this Review will have major implications <strong>for</strong> <strong>WELB</strong> schools, especially<br />
small rural schools. The Review is currently with the DE <strong>for</strong> consideration.<br />
- 72 -
12.0 CIRCUMSTANCES DRIVEN BY PUPIL NEED<br />
The <strong>WELB</strong> <strong>Draft</strong> <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> is a document which reflects the<br />
position at the date of publication. However, as we live in an evolving environment,<br />
circumstances may arise which will necessitate the <strong>WELB</strong> and/or education partners having to<br />
take <strong>for</strong>ward actions/proposals in advance of either the close of the consultation period or the<br />
publication of a Final <strong>WELB</strong> <strong>Strategic</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Schools</strong>.<br />
Any proposals/actions taken <strong>for</strong>ward in advance of the close of the consultation period will be<br />
taken in order to meet the needs of pupils.<br />
- 73 -
APPENDIX A<br />
<strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning – Terms of Reference<br />
<strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning – Terms of Reference - 15 December 2011<br />
Introduction<br />
In his Statement to the Assembly, on 26 September 2011, the Education Minister, John<br />
O’Dowd MLA, highlighted the need to move <strong>for</strong>ward with the implementation of the Sustainable<br />
School Policy and the process of strategic planning on an area basis.<br />
The Minister has made it clear that, against the backdrop of an extremely challenging financial<br />
landscape in the coming years, progress on reshaping the structure and pattern of education<br />
provision cannot be delayed. This work is at the core of the raising standards agenda which<br />
can only be delivered efficiently and effectively through a network of strong, sustainable<br />
schools that command the confidence of the communities they serve.<br />
The Minister has indicated that, until such times as the Education and Skills Authority (ESA) is<br />
established, the existing statutory bodies must work together to deliver a more strategic areabased<br />
approach to planning the delivery of education.<br />
Task<br />
The Minister is commissioning the Education and Library Boards, working in close conjunction<br />
with CCMS and engaging extensively with other school sectors, to develop collective strategic<br />
plans on an area basis.<br />
The focus will be on developing a planned network of viable and sustainable schools capable of<br />
delivering effectively the revised curriculum and the Entitlement Framework and of providing<br />
adequate access to a range of educational provision appropriate to the needs of the children<br />
and young people in an area. It will there<strong>for</strong>e be essential that a broad vision of the type and<br />
scale of education provision required to meet the future needs is agreed, encompassing the<br />
various models to do so.<br />
Scope<br />
The exercise will cover the provision of all grant-aided primary and post-primary schools of all<br />
management types in each of the five Education and Library Board areas. At this stage, it does<br />
not apply to pre-school provision.<br />
The plan must cover the entirety of primary and post-primary provision within the Board area<br />
and must take account of cross boundary issues. However if there are issues arising from the<br />
Viability Audit or the Formal Intervention Programme that require early action the Boards<br />
should put in place an action plan to protect the interests of the pupils in advance of full area<br />
plan being available. Decision to move in advance of the area plan being drawn up and<br />
approved should be based on robust evidence and the professional opinion of the Education<br />
and Library Boards, following engagement with CCMS and the other sectors where applicable.<br />
To support the SEN Review and, in recognition of the regional nature of the highly specialised<br />
facilities required to meet the needs of the most vulnerable children in our society, the process<br />
will examine the pattern of free standing Special School provision<br />
The Minister has requested that the initial focus should be on post-primary provision, including<br />
the delivery of viable 6 th <strong>for</strong>m provision and the pattern of free standing special school.<br />
- 74 -
In taking <strong>for</strong>ward this work the Boards and CCMS must ensure that their assessment takes<br />
account of the Department’s commitments in the Programme <strong>for</strong> Government, and supports the<br />
implementation of, the Departmental policies, in particular Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong>; ESaGS; the<br />
revised curriculum and the Entitlement Framework; Count, Read: Succeed; Irish Medium<br />
Review and the SEN Review. It should also take account of commitments outlined in the Good<br />
Friday Agreement and subsequent legislation in relation to Integrated and Irish medium<br />
provision. (This list of policies is not exhaustive.) Throughout the process the principles of<br />
promoting equality of opportunity and good relations should be adhered to.<br />
The work should also reflect the prevailing financial climate and the centrality of financial<br />
viability and stability going <strong>for</strong>ward and that the minimum number of enrolled pupils needed to<br />
secure future financial stability may be higher than the minimum thresholds set out in the<br />
Sustainable <strong>Schools</strong> Policy.<br />
Following initial engagement with the Boards and CCMS, detailed guidance will be issued by<br />
the Department covering the area planning process. For illustrative purposes the likely stages<br />
are as follows:-<br />
Stage 1 Prepare an area profile, outlining current provision in the area using robust and<br />
verifiable data.<br />
Stage 2 Examine the current viability and future sustainability of existing provision in line<br />
with the relevant DE policies, taking account of the Viability Audit Report.<br />
Stage 3 Anticipate future need by sector using robust and verifiable data.<br />
Stage 4 Identify under or over provision by sector in the area taking account of cross<br />
boundary flows.<br />
Stage 5 Identify options to address under or over provision by sector taking account of<br />
cross boundary flows which deliver viable and sustainable schools.<br />
Stage 6 Produce an area plan of education provision to meet future demand.<br />
Stage 7 Submit the draft area plan to the Department <strong>for</strong> consideration and approval to<br />
proceed to public consultation.<br />
Stage 8 Consideration of consultation responses, finalisation of area plan <strong>for</strong> submission<br />
to the Department <strong>for</strong> approval.<br />
In delivering an area plan the Boards, working with CCMS and engaging extensively with other<br />
school sectors should take account of the guidance issued by the Department and seek to fulfil<br />
the following aims/objectives to:-<br />
ensure a network of sustainable schools, within reasonable travelling distance <strong>for</strong> pupils<br />
and capable of delivering effectively the revised curriculum and, in post-primary schools,<br />
the Entitlement Framework;<br />
identify and meet the needs of all children and young people in the area;<br />
enhance the quality of provision and raise standards;<br />
reduce the number of surplus places;<br />
reduce duplication of provision;<br />
identify realistic, innovative and creative solutions to address need, including<br />
opportunities <strong>for</strong> shared schooling on a cross sectoral basis;<br />
maximise the use and sharing of the existing schools estate;<br />
identify potential <strong>for</strong> co-location of mainstream and special schools;<br />
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take full account of appropriate and relevant FE Sector provision <strong>for</strong> 14-19 year olds;<br />
and<br />
explore opportunities <strong>for</strong> cross border planning.<br />
Deliverables<br />
Each Board should present to the Department of Education a draft area plan which:-<br />
reflects Departmental policies and priorities;<br />
delivers all a<strong>for</strong>ementioned the objectives; and<br />
ratified by the Education and Library Board and CCMS.<br />
Timescales<br />
Given the size of the cohort of pupils requiring stand-alone special schools and the regional<br />
nature of this provision, the Minister has requested that this area is prioritised and plans are<br />
submitted to the Department by end February 2012*.<br />
The initial plan covering post-primary provision, including 6 th <strong>for</strong>m provision, should be<br />
submitted to the Department of Education not later than end March 2012*.<br />
The plan covering the primary provision should be submitted not later than end June 2012*.<br />
* These dates are indicative at the moment and will be subject to discussion with the Education<br />
and Library Boards.<br />
Authority<br />
The Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986 (Articles 5 and 6) outlines the duty of the<br />
Education and Library Boards to secure efficient and sufficient provision of primary and<br />
secondary education within the board area to meet the needs of all pupils.<br />
Additionally, Article 142 of the Education Re<strong>for</strong>m (NI) Order 1989 places a subsidiary statutory<br />
duty on CCMS to promote and co-ordinate the planning of the effective provision of Catholic<br />
maintained schools.<br />
Other School Sectors<br />
The trustees and Boards of Governors of grant-maintained integrated schools, voluntary<br />
grammar schools and other voluntary maintained schools, including Irish medium schools, and<br />
the relevant sectoral bodies will also have an important contribution to make to this process. It<br />
will be a requirement of the process <strong>for</strong> the Boards to engage and seek input from these<br />
sectors.<br />
Department of Education<br />
The Department of Education will set the policy context, provide advice and guidance on the<br />
process and will consider and, if satisfied, approve the area plans following consultation on the<br />
draft area plans.<br />
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