THE future of the four Catholic maintained post-primary schools in Fermanagh have been revealed.
As reported by the ‘Herald, discussions have been ongoing over the future of the four schools.
It’s understood that the long-term plan is to have boys and girls mixing between the schools.
The current plan is for Enniskillen schools, St Joseph’s College and St Fanchea’s College, as institutions to close. However, the school buildings will remain open.
St Michael’s College will absorb the pupils from St Joseph’s College, with Mount Lourdes Grammar School also taking on pupils from St Fanchea’s College.
It’s believed that the intended date for completion of the school expansions is September 2027.
Internal discussions with staff took place prior to a public meeting with parents of post-primary school children, which is scheduled to take place tonight (Thursday) at 7pm.
A message was sent to parents inviting them to the meeting which will be the “start of a consultation process” around the proposed merger of the Enniskillen schools.
“The purpose of this meeting is to present to parents / guardians the proposal for Post-Primary Education in Enniskillen that is being made by the School Trustees and CCMS,” the message read.
“This meeting marks the start of a consultation process in which you will be able to participate.”
This is not the first time that a merger between the Catholic maintained schools has been raised.
In 2018, the county’s residents were left up in arms when representatives from the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools held meetings in the county over a potential amalgamation.
The proposal also discussed the possibility of a merger between St Fanchea’s College and Mount Lourdes Grammar School, with St Fanchea’s students at moving to an expanded Mount Lourdes.
Due to a lack of clarity on the terms and conditions of the merger and significant opposition from the community and teaching staff, the decision was taken to not proceed with the amalgamation.
Read more in Wednesday’s paper.
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