Year 8 pupils at the new school will be taught at the Collegiate site
A legal challenge to proposals to close Portora Royal School and Enniskillen Collegiate Grammar School and form the new Enniskillen Royal Grammar School has failed at the High Court.
In Belfast last Wednesday the legal action, taken by a student at the school against the decision made by Education Minister John O’Dowd in November 2014 was rejected on all grounds.
As reported Mr Justice Colton said: “The clear objective was to meet the needs of pupils in the controlled/voluntary sectors in Fermanagh into the future.
“In my view there was nothing irrational or unlawful in coming to the conclusion that the development proposals approved will achieve exactly that, even if others may disagree.”
Refusing the application for judicial review, Mr Justice Colton said the status quo of post primary education in Fermanagh was “unsustainable”.
The High Court’s decision has been met with ‘bitter disappointment’ on the Collegiate side.
A statement released by the Collegiate Support Group said:
“We still maintain our position that the creation of a new grammar school from the closure of these two excellent schools is not the all encompassing solution to the perceived education problem in Fermanagh and other avenues should have been explored. However, the welfare and education of our children in this County are, and have always been, the only priority and we will give our full support to the Interim Board of Governors of the Enniskillen Royal Grammar School as they continue their work for the opening of the new school in September.”
The group thanked all those within the community who supported the campaign over the past two years and the Board of Governors, staff and most importantly the pupils of the Collegiate for their unwavering support during the period.
“The Collegiate Grammar School may cease to exist as an entity from September but it’s history and contribution to education in Fermanagh will never be forgotten. More importantly, those who have been fortunate enough to be associated with the Collegiate, in whatever capacity, will ensure that the school’s ethos and the values that it represents will continue to live on for generations to come.”
Enniskillen Collegiate Principal Elizabeth Armstrong reflected on the High Court ruling:
“We know that many people in our community will be deeply disappointed by the judgement on 3 February 2016 and we are very grateful for the many expressions of support for the Collegiate community. We now take due note of the judgement as we go forward from it in our resolute and undaunted spirit of strong service to our young people as we seek to establish the new school.”
Portora principal Neil Morton was pleased the arguments made by Portora were affirmed in court, but noted it has been a difficult process for all involved.
“There is a need now for everyone to work wholeheartedly towards the new school without prejudice. I hope that everyone will do this because it has been an extremely painful and divisive and difficult process.
“It has been more than bruising, it has been a horrible process, it has hurt everyone, but there is now a recognition that we’ve got to move forward for the county and we will do that.”
He added:
“It was never anyone’s intention, certainly not my intention to see the histories and the legacies of two great schools destroyed, they don’t have to be, proper management will mean the best of both schools can move together as one.”
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