St Eugene’s College, Roslea RMG33
THE Education Minister, John O’Dowd has approved the development proposal to close the two schools St Eugene’s College and St Comhghall’s College.
In their place, a new 11-19 post-primary school will be established on the Lisnaskea site with effect from this September or as soon as possible thereafter.
The Minister said his decision to close St Eugene’s College and St Comhghall’s College “is due to the on-going sustainability issues being experienced by the schools.”
Local Sinn Fein MLA Sean Lynch said the plan would “ensure a high quality and secure post-primary presence” in east Fermanagh.
“This decision is in the best educational interests of our all of our young people in this area, as they enter a changing and dynamic workforce. It is important that we have a quality school that is easily accessible to our young people. The pupils have been at the centre of making this decision,” he said.
Plans to amalgamate the two secondary schools have been welcomed by their respective principals.
Martin Knox of St Eugene’s told the Herald that the pupils are the real winners.
“They will have expanded choice with teachers and support staff who know their needs and can cater to their requirements. The plan will accommodate two communities and strengthen overall provision in the area. Now that a decision has been reached we will seek to address both the challenges and opportunities afforded and move forward in a spirited drive to ensure the new school builds on the success of its predecessors. I think there are exciting, challenging and rewarding times ahead,” he said.
Gary Kelly from St Comhghall’s added: “Both St Comhghall’s and St Eugene’s College are high performing schools that have served their communities well. This decision gives the new school an opportunity to increase its enrolment, its range and number of courses offered at GCSE and A-Level and most importantly continues to provide world class education to its pupils.”
Mr Kelly said he believed staff jobs would be secure: “Our pupil numbers are strong enough to sustain staff from both schools and it’s possible that we will need to employ more in the future.”
Gerry Lundy, CCMS Deputy Chief Executive said planning for the implementation of the re-organisation would ensure access to the highest quality educational provision.
“The community can have every confidence that the transition into new arrangements will be effectively managed, will focus on and prioritise the needs of all students, and will secure the highest quality provision for all our young people for the future,” he added.
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