Seven New Schools to Progress in Planning including Loreto College in Coleraine

Education Minister Paul Givan has announced new build projects for seven schools across Northern Ireland will now progress in planning.

The Minister has written to Principals following his decision to lift the pause on a number of schools in the worst condition, announced for capital funding in 2022.

The schools that will now progress in planning are:

• Carrickfergus Academy;
• Loreto College, Coleraine;
• Dromore High School;
• Edmund Rice College, Newtownabbey;
• Portadown College;
• Mercy College, Belfast; and
• Malone Integrated College, Belfast.

Welcoming the announcement during a visit to Dromore High School, the Minister said: “Last week I announced my plans to deliver a modern fit for purpose education system that meets the needs of our society and our pupils in the 21st century.

“There is not a moment to lose. That is why to begin this process, Integrated Consultancy Teams will now be appointed to progress this ambitious programme of new build projects for schools in the worst conditions.”

The Minister delivered the first Statement to the Assembly last week on Sustainable Investment in Education Infrastructure.

The Minister continued: “Children across Northern Ireland have the right to be educated in schools which are comfortable and safe, are of good quality and are properly designed and resourced to support their learning.

“We need to transform our school buildings so that they are truly fit for the future and can provide the best possible education experience for our young people.”

In conclusion, the Minister added: “There can be no greater investment in our future than investment in education, therefore I will continue to make the case for significant additional capital funding for our schools’ estate.”

East Derry MLA Ms Cara Hunter said:

“I know that Loreto College have been working for some time to secure a new school building that can offer modern facilities and the best educational experience for young people in this area. The decision to pause new builds was incredibly disappointing for schools across the North who are current in unsuitable or outdated buildings that seriously impact the way they deliver education.

“Loreto is a school with a first-class reputation among parents and staff should be commended for their efforts. A new school building would be incredibly exciting and allow them to build on the positive work that already goes on there.

“There can be no more false dawns when it comes to new school buildings and Loreto is far from the only school in this area hoping to have a new building approved. I will continue to put pressure on the Minister to deliver for Loreto and every school in this area so that every child can reach their potential and get the best education possible.”