Draft WELB Strategic Area Plan for Primary Schools - Western ...

Western Education and Library Board Area 

POST-PRIMARY EDUCATION 

IN 

Putting Pupils First: Shaping Our Future 

Draft WELB Strategic Area Plan for Primary Schools 

Consultation Document 

19 March 2013 – 30 June 2013 

In conjunction with the 

Council for Catholic Maintained Schools 

and engagement with other school sectors

CONTENTS 

1.0 Introduction 

1.1 Scope 

1.1.1 Aims, Objectives and Constraints of the Working Group 

1.2 Progress to Date 

1.3 Sustainable Schools Policy 

1.4 Engagement Process 

2.0 Area Profile 

2.1 General Context 

2.1.1 Economic Development and Employment 

2.1.2 Social Context 

2.1.3 Rural Area 

2.1.4 Roads Infrastructure 

2.2 Current Provision 

2.3 Cross Boundary Flows 

2.4 Pupil Population Projection 

2.5 Viability Audit Outcomes 

3.0 Case for Change 

3.1 Strategic Area Planning Common Approach 

3.1.1 Schools above the relevant sustainable schools thresholds of 105 pupils 

(rural) and 140 pupils (urban) 

3.1.2 Schools below the sustainable schools rural threshold of 105 pupils 

3.1.3 Exploring Local Area Solutions 

3.2 Review of Irish Medium Education 

3.3 Shared Education 

4.0 Derry City Council Area 




4.4 Pupil Population Projections 


4.6 Proposal for the Derry City Council Area 

4.7 Vision for the Area 

5.0 Fermanagh District Council Area 






5.6 Proposal for the Fermanagh District Council Area 


6.0 Limavady Borough Council Area 



- 1 -




6.6 Proposal for the Limavady Borough Council Area 


7.0 Omagh District Council Area 






7.6 Proposal for the Omagh District Council Area 


8.0 Strabane District Council Area 






8.6 Proposal for the Strabane District Council Area 


9.0 The Process of Taking Forward the Proposals 

10.0 Capital Investment in the Schools Estate 

11.0 Issue for Consideration 

12.0 Circumstances driven by Pupil Need 

Appendix A: Area Planning - Terms of Reference 

- 2 -

1.0 INTRODUCTION 

The Department of Education’s (DE) vision is - “To ensure that every learner fulfils his or her 

full potential at each stage of development.” 

All DE policies and processes, such as Area Planning, contribute to the delivery of that vision 

and all have, as a central theme, the educational well-being of the children and young people 

for whom the education service is designed. These policies and processes all focus on raising 

standards and providing the best education possible for all young people. Further information 

is available on the DE’s website. www.deni.gov.uk 

To make sure that the focus was on raising standards and putting pupils first, John O’Dowd, 

MLA, the Minister for Education, asked the Education and Library Boards (ELB) to work with 

the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) and the other sectors to prepare strategic 

area plans for the restructuring of Primary education in their areas. 

Restructuring is necessary for a number of reasons: 

The pupil population has fallen far below the numbers which our current schools were 

designed to accommodate, resulting in thousands of unfilled places. 

The type of curriculum needed to raise standards and support the economy is much 

broader than that previously taught, and this means that many schools need to be bigger to 

deliver an effective service. 

Finally, there is much less money available to run the education service and we need to 

concentrate resources. 

Therefore, there is a need to change from the existing network of schools to one that is 

sustainable. Schools need to be able to offer a high quality education to all pupils and 

maximise the impact of the resources available by reducing unfilled places and duplication. 

Area Planning is the process through which such a network of schools will be developed and 

this Plan, prepared by the Western Education and Library Board (WELB), is the beginning of 

that process. 

The Minister has set out objectives for this process and these are contained in the Terms of 

Reference for Area Planning attached - Appendix A. 

1.1 Scope 

This Strategic Area Plan addresses primary school provision only. It takes account of relevant 

legislation and supports the implementation of the DE policies. 

Throughout the planning process the requirements of promoting equality of opportunity and 

good relations have been adhered to. 

This Strategic Area Plan addresses long-term primary school’s needs - from 2012 to 2025 and 

it recognises that re-shaping the primary provision involves significant investment. There is 

limited capital funding available in the foreseeable future and it is likely that demand will be 

greater than the total available and funding will have to be prioritised to ensure effective use of 

resources. Changes will therefore be managed to ensure that they take place in an appropriate 

order to protect the education of all pupils. 

- 3 -

1.1.1 Aim, Objectives and Constraints of the Working Group 

Aim 

To identify the need for education provision in the WELB area in the context of, and with 

reference to, the DE Policies and priorities, identify and analyse potential solutions and 

make robust recommendations across sectors taking account of the individual sectoral 

interests. 

Objectives 

The objectives of the Primary Area Plan for the WELB area are to: 

ensure a network of viable and sustainable schools, within reasonable travelling 

distance for pupils, capable of effectively delivering the NI Curriculum; 

identify and meet the needs of all children and young people in the area; 

enhance the quality of provision and raise standards; 

apply the ‘Needs Model’ to identify the number of primary places required and reduce 

the number of unfilled places; 

reduce duplication of provision; 

identify realistic, innovative and creative solutions to address need, including 

opportunities for shared schooling on a cross sectoral basis; 

maximise the use and sharing of the existing schools estate; 

identify potential for co-location of Mainstream and Special schools; and 

explore opportunities for cross-boundary and cross-border planning. 

Constraints 

Current school estate; 

Sectoral interests; 

Time; 

Parental preference; 

Current Transport Costs/Policy; 

Admissions Policy and Open Enrolment; 

Financial: Capital Programme; 

Financial: Common Formula Funding Review; 

Rurality of the WELB area; 

Geographic configuration of the WELB; 

Demographic downturn in the WELB; and 

Current Legislation with regard to the Governance and Management of Schools and 

the urgent need for review of same. 

1.2 Progress to Date 

The Area Planning process began with a Viability Audit of all schools which assessed schools 

against a set of criteria for sustainable enrolment levels, delivery of quality education and 

financial sustainability. The Audits were published on 6 March 2012 and provided a snapshot 

of the issues facing schools, at that date. The Audit was an important aspect of the process to 

inform the discussions which need to take place around the changes needed within the system. 

The Audit showed that throughout Northern Ireland (WELB figures detailed in the Council Area 

sections): 

66 of the 839 primary schools primary schools (8%) were not meeting the educational 

criteria (and of these, 9 were in formal intervention); 

- 4 -

321 (38%) fell below the minimum enrolment threshold; 

66 (8%) have a projected deficit greater than 5% or £75,000 (whichever is the lesser), with 

a combined deficit of £4.5 million; and 

390 (46%) were not meeting the criteria in one or more categories. 

[Source: DE1/12/34285 – Viability Audit Analysis Briefing] 

1.3 Sustainable Schools Policy 

The Sustainable Schools Policy is central to the Area Planning process and to the successful 

implementation of the key DE policies. The primary objective of the policy is to ensure that all 

children and young people get a high quality education in strong and vibrant schools that are 

educationally and financially viable in the longer term. 

Primary schools with fewer than seven classes often encounter problems. The smaller the 

school, the more acute these problems can become in providing a broad and balanced 

curriculum. Despite the best efforts of the teachers involved, there is often less scope for pupils 

to benefit from meeting a reasonable number of other children, and there are fewer 

opportunities for providing a full programme of curricular and extra-curricular sports and 

activities. 

The policy specifies a set of six sustainability criteria which apply to all grant-aided schools, 

with associated indicators to be used in assessing a school’s educational viability, as follows: 

Quality Educational Experience 

Stable Enrolment Trends 

Sound Financial Position 

Strong Leadership and Management 

Accessibility 

Strong Links with the Community 

Where enrolments are concerned, the policy adopts minimum thresholds as follows for primary 

schools: 

Rural Primary Schools - 105 pupils 

Urban Primary Schools - 140 pupils 

The policy classifies schools located within the Belfast City Council and Derry City Council 

areas as urban. Schools located in all other areas are considered rural. 

In brief, the aim of the planning process is to provide the right number of places in the right 

variety of schools of the right size in any given area. In doing so all ELBs are reviewing all 

schools in an area to see what part they will play in any new configuration. What schools are 

needed and where they are needed will be considered to decide if there are sufficient places in 

the different sectors. This will allow, for example, for an increase in children in integrated 

schools, though such an increase will necessarily involve a reduction in children in the other 

sectors. 

There are four important things to note: 

There are too many small schools and many will not survive into the future. This does not 

mean that all small schools will close - they will not. However, it is likely that some schools 

may be amalgamated to provide bigger, more sustainable, schools. Others again may need 

to expand to accommodate pupils from schools which have closed. Some will see no 

change. All schools which fall below the minimum will be reviewed starting with those that 

are below the threshold and have fewer than 4 teachers. There may, however, be local 

- 5 -

circumstances, especially in lightly populated or less accessible rural areas, which require 

that a school is kept open but this can only be determined after review. 

The process will be complex and it will take time to carry out the plans. Area planning has 

not been carried out on this scale before in Northern Ireland, and it will be a rolling process 

which will continue over a number of years. These initial plans are best regarded as setting 

a direction of travel rather than providing a firm solution to all issues. In implementing this 

Plan, the WELB has its own priorities, and the DE will also have a role to play in determining 

what can be afforded. Therefore, where schools are proposed for closure, amalgamation or 

expansion it should not be assumed that the change will happen immediately. The WELB 

will be able to advise parents who are concerned about their children’s schools about the 

priority afforded to the changes and planned timescales. 

Any proposal to close, amalgamate or expand a school will, as now, be subject to a statutory 

development proposal. This will allow for consultation with those directly affected and the 

consideration of immediately local circumstances. 

The process of change may offer scope for cross-sectoral solutions, ranging from the 

sharing of expertise and facilities to full amalgamations. 

The five ELBs and CCMS, see Section 3.1, have agreed a consistent approach to planning and 

to the format of the area plans which will involve showing needs and provision in each district 

council area, and making proposals or recommendations for schools or groups of schools. 

1.4 Engagement Process 

To commence the Area Planning Process, the WELB sought representatives from the CCMS, 

Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (CnaG), Governing Bodies Association (GBA) and Northern 

Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) and established the WELB Putting Pupils First: 

Shaping Our Future Working Group. 

The membership of the Putting Pupils First: Shaping Our Future Working Group also consists 

of Officers with the professional expertise in Curriculum, C2K, Finance, Human Resources, and 

Transport, to inform and enhance the decision-making process. 

The Working Group is a cross-sectoral representation of the multi-layered provision which 

exists within the area. It seeks to work in a mutually supportive partnership to provide a 

curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils, as well as the demands of the statutory 

curriculum and further strengthens and develops the collaborative links that exist within the 

Community. 

The sectoral representation of the membership of the Working Group, Chaired by Rev Robert 

Herron, seeks to ensure the needs of all pupils are met through the provision of education 

across and in collaboration with all sectors. The Working Group discussed the options relating 

to Primary education within the WELB area. 

- 6 -

Putting Pupils First: Shaping Our Future Working Group - Membership 

Rev Robert Herron (Chair) Chairman, WELB 

Mrs Rosemary Watterson Chief Administrative Officer, WELB (Co-ordinator) 

Ms Iris Barker Head of Property Services, WELB 

Ms Sinead McCartan Development Officer, WELB 

Mrs Alison Smyth Head of CASS, WELB 

Mr Sean Rodgers Assistant Finance Officer, WELB 

Mr David Spence Transport Officer, WELB 

Mrs Emer Palmer Senior Manager, Human Resources, WELB 

Ms Lyn McCullagh C2K Support Manager 

Mr Gerry Lundy Deputy Chief Executive, CCMS 

Mr Liam MacGiolla Mheana CnaG 

Mr Seamus Leonard NICIE 

Mr John MacCrossan GBA 

Ms Carrie Scott Minute Secretary, WELB 

Putting Pupils First: Shaping Our Future Working Group - Meetings 

The Working Group held meetings on: 10 January 2012 

7 February 2012 

13 March 2012 

26 March 2012 

17 April 2012 

8 May 2012 

12 June 2012 

29 June 2012 

21 September 2012 

29 October 2012 

26 November 2012 

10 December 2012 

21 January 2013 

11 February 2013 

To inform the Strategic Area Plan for Primary Schools, the WELB consulted with all Primary 

Schools. Correspondence and a proforma were forwarded to all Primary Schools seeking their 

views, comments and local area proposals to be considered in the context of Strategic Area 

Planning. The WELB received 60 responses from a total of 182 primary schools. The 

responses from schools showed a strong commitment to the each individual school. The 

excellent collaboration within schools was identified with some schools, especially in the 

Fermanagh District Council Area, identifying an expression of interest in Shared Education. 

The WELB and CCMS are engaging with these schools to identify sustainable opportunities for 

Shared Education. The setting up of an Advisory Group, by the Minister, to investigate Shared 

Education will help in guiding the Managing Authorities and schools in progressing Shared 

Education. 

The views, comments and proposals informed the draft Strategic Area Plan for Primary 

Schools. 

- 7 -

2.0 AREA PROFILE 


The WELB, established under the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1972, is the Education 

and Library Authority for the Western part of the Province. It spans 1,940 square miles and a 

total population of approximately 299,431 people. It is responsible to the DE for local 

administration of the Education and Library Services in the five Council Areas of Derry City, 

Fermanagh, Limavady, Omagh and Strabane. 

The WELB serves a large rural population with the exception of Derry City. 

2.1.1 Economic Development and Employment 

The links between economic development and employment may appear less immediate 

in the primary sector than in the post-primary sector, where young people are 

transitioning directly into employment, training or further education. However, Primary 

Schools lay the critical foundations of acquiring knowledge, skills and attributes that will 

enable pupils to participate in the post-primary curriculum, and in turn lead on to 

qualifications and skills for employment and life. The DE’s Count Read: Succeed 

Strategy places the emphasis on literacy and numeracy firmly in the context of the need 

for a growing economy and a well-educated workforce. 

For Primary Schools the factors that relate to economic development and employability 

centre on a number of issues. 

Parents need to place a high value on primary education, and understand and 

appreciate its link to further success at post-primary level and beyond, particularly in 

- 8 -

elation to employment. The DE’s ‘Every School a Good School’ policy points out that 

this may be a greater challenge for some schools, particularly those serving 

disadvantaged communities. School leaders need to be able to both communicate high 

expectations, but also foster the confidence, respect and support of parents, based on 

high standards of teaching and learning and pastoral care that supports pupils, 

enabling them to overcome any barriers to learning. 

All Primary Schools need to be able to provide equality of access to a broad and 

balanced curriculum. The NI Curriculum (Primary) places an emphasis on not solely 

acquiring the skills of Literacy, Numeracy and ICT, but the ability to also use these in 

real-life and meaningful contexts. Indeed the assessment of pupils in relation to these 

three areas is firmly placed in the context of the cross-curricular skills of Using 

Mathematics, Communication across the Curriculum and Using ICT. The Council for the 

Curriculum Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) Education for Employability at 

Primary programme sums this up in the statement that employability at the primary level 

is about providing opportunities for ‘children to see that for them school is their 

workplace’ where they can ‘realise their enterprising capabilities’. There is a 

concomitant expectation that primary school leaders will have effective links and 

partnerships with employers to meet the needs of the curriculum, employers and the 

economy for economic awareness, environmental sustainability and development needs 

at local and regional levels (Together Towards Improvement (TTI) – A Process for Self 

Evaluation [Primary], DE). 

Primary Schools, in delivering public value, must ensure that their provision benefits 

both the local communities they serve and local and global economies (TTI, DE). 

2.1.2 Social Context 

The NOBLE Index 2010 is the most up to date measure of relative deprivation in 

Northern Ireland. Deprivation is measured at Ward or Super Output Area (SOA) level. 

Each SOA approximately contains 2000 people and there are 890 Super Output Areas 

in Northern Ireland. This is compared to a larger ward area of approximately 3100 

people and there are 582 wards in Northern Ireland. Within the NOBLE Index there are 

7 domains of deprivation at Super Output Area level (SOA). This measure provides a 

more localised analysis of deprivation in the areas in which schools are located, though 

not necessarily the areas from which they draw all their pupils. 

The NI Multiple Deprivation Area Measure (NIMDM), an overall measure of deprivation, 

is constructed from 52 different indicators relating to seven weighted types or ‘domains’ 

of deprivation: Income, Employment, Health, Education, Proximity to Services, Living 

Environment and Crime & Disorder. 

Deprivation levels in the WELB area can be divided into the five Council Areas. The 

most widespread deprivation measures show that Strabane and Derry City areas suffer 

the most - ranking at 2 and 3 respectively, while Limavady achieved 7, Omagh achieved 

17 and Fermanagh achieved 22, out of a score of 26 (rank of 1 is the most deprived, 

and 26 the least deprived). (Source: www.nisra.gov.uk) 

2.1.3 Rural Area 

The WELB is a rural area and as such this is represented in the Primary School 

provision. Many schools service a rural community and are the heart and soul of the 

local village and community resulting in the Primary School providing a pivotal role 

within the local community. In taking forward Strategic Area Planning for Primary 

Schools, the rurality of the WELB is a major influencing factor in planning for the future. 

The WELB will ensure that where a Primary School has been identified as not 

- 9 -

sustainable for the future learning and teaching provision for pupils within the area, 

every local area solution will be investigated to secure the provision. The WELB will 

work with the Boards of Governors and Principals to seek a local area solution. 

Innovate solutions are required to secure Primary School educational provision within a 

local community and both schools and the local community will be required to engage in 

solutions which currently are not being considered, such as Shared Education (see 

Sections 3.1.3 and 3.3). All education sectors are working together on both sectoral 

and cross sectoral options for Primary Schools. 

The WELB will focus on the retention of rural schools. However, within the current 

environment and where schools are identified as not providing the best provision for the 

local pupils, there will inevitably be schools which will have to close. The closure of a 

primary school will be only considered following investigation into all possible feasible 

solutions for retention. Where closure is the only feasible option, the WELB will work 

with the Board of Governors and parents to help minimise the impact of a closure on 

pupils and staff. The WELB has the needs of all pupils as its priority and will strive to 

ensure that all pupils have access to a high quality learning and teaching provision 

within a sustainable primary provision. 

2.1.4 Roads Infrastructure 

The WELB area services a rural area and this is reflected in the road networks. With 

the exception of Derry City, the roads networks servicing the primary school population 

are reflective of a rural area. The roads network provides challenges for Strategic Area 

Planning as the roads network to rural schools adds to travel distance and travel times 

for primary pupils. In considering any proposals for non-sustainable schools, transport 

is a vital consideration in the future planning for the school. 


The WELB currently has: 179 Primary Schools 

66% 

3% 

55 Controlled Primary Schools 

119 Maintained Primary Schools and Irish Medium 

Primary Schools (Grant Maintained & Controlled) 

5 Integrated Primary Schools (Grant Maintained & 

Controlled). 

WELB Primary Schools 

31% 

- 10 - 

Controlled Primary Schools 

Maintained Primary Schools and 

Irish Medium Primary Schools 

(Grant Maintained & Controlled) 

Integrated Primary Schools (Grant 

Maintained & Controlled)

The number of pupils attending schools by sector is detailed in the table below: 

Table 1: Primary Pupils Enrolment Numbers (2012 Census Non-Verified Data) 

Educational Sector Primary Pupil Enrolment 


Maintained Primary Schools and Irish Medium Primary Schools 


Integrated Primary Schools 


Total - WELB 


- 11 - 

7,806 

18,309 

1,180 

27,295 

In the analysis of enrolment numbers, the cross boundary flow of pupils was identified and the 

enrolment numbers adjusted to take account of cross boundary flows. Due to the close 

proximity of pupils living in one District Council Area they may opt to attend a school in another 

District Council Area. 

Cross boundary flows are a natural factor within Primary Schools in the WELB. In 

consideration of traditional catchment areas of schools and parental choice trends, cross 

boundary flows within the WELB do not significantly impact on the current primary provision 

within an area. 

Table 2 below shows a representation of the numbers of pupils crossing the District Council 

boundaries which reflects the locations of schools situated mainly within the rural areas in close 

proximity to council boundaries. 

Table 2: Cross Boundary Flows – WELB 

Cross-boundary 

inflows to DCs in 

Row Headings 

Coleraine 

Borough 

Council 

Area 

Derry 

City 

Council 


Dungannon 

District 

Council Area 

Fermanagh 

District 

Council 


Limavady 

Borough 

Council 


Omagh 

District 

Council 


Strabane 

District 

Council 


Derry City Council 

Area 0 0 0 155 2 109 266 

Fermanagh District 

Council Area 0 0 1 0 35 0 36 

Limavady Borough 


Omagh District 


Strabane District 


Totals 12 88 35 69 156 101 177 638 

Total


The following table is derived from the Needs Model for primary education developed by the DE 

and adopted by the ELBs and CCMS. The data has been derived from the 2010 Government 

Actuary’s Department population projections and the 2012/13 DE Primary Schools Census data 

– yet to be verified. 

The Primary Needs Model projects the need for places over a 13 year planning horizon at ELB 

and District Council (DC) level. This is crucial to address the aim of aligning planned provision 

with future need for places, reducing levels of unfilled places. 

The Needs Model projections are presented in 3 subsets comprising broadly Controlled, 

Maintained and Integrated schools. Given the low numbers involved at District Council level, it 

is not possible to present the Irish Medium sector separately. The Irish Medium sector 

projections are included within the Maintained subset. 

The Needs Model is based on official published population projection statistics and takes 

account of the proportions of pupils living in one District Council Area but attending school in 

another. A key issue is that the figures provide a starting point – they may be changed across 

the sectors, District Council Areas or ELBs by agreement providing the control total is not 

breached. In other words, no sector is limited to the growth shown in the model. However, any 

additional growth must be accounted for through reductions elsewhere. 

The limitations of the Needs Model are recognised in projecting to 2025 and beyond. Whatever 

projections are applied are purely indicative and will be less accurate the longer the timeframe. 

However, the WELB will plan on the best information available at any point in time. New 

population projections are published every 2 years and will be used to update the projected 

need for places. 

The WELB must ensure that Primary School places exist to equate to the 2025 projected 

number of primary pupils. The DE has undertaken a statistical analysis of the primary 

population across Northern Ireland in a ‘Needs Model’. The ‘Needs Model’ identifies the 

number of projected primary pupils to 2025. 

The ‘Needs Model’ categorises the projections by Education Board, Council Area and Sector. 

For the purposes of the ‘Needs Model’, Sector categories are defined as follows: 

Controlled - excluding Integrated and Irish Medium Controlled Schools but including Other 

Maintained Protestant Church Schools; 

Maintained - including all Irish Medium Schools and Irish Medium Units but excluding Other 

Maintained Protestant Church Schools; and 

Integrated - including Grant Maintained Integrated and Controlled Integrated Schools. 

The tables below are populated with the statistical information from the Needs Model specific to 

the WELB area. 

- 12 -

Table 3 shows the total number of projected pupils over the next 13 years for the WELB area. 

Table 3: WELB - Needs Model - Primary Pupils 

Year Controlled Primary 

Schools 

Maintained Primary 

Schools and Irish Medium 

Primary Schools 

(Grant Maintained & 

Controlled) 

- 13 - 

Integrated Primary 


(Grant Maintained 

& Controlled) 

Total - WELB 


2013 7940 18747 1155 27842 

2014 8022 18947 1171 28140 

2015 8167 19282 1193 28642 

2016 8306 19590 1211 29107 

2017 8355 19713 1220 29288 

2018 8388 19807 1227 29422 

2019 8356 19748 1224 29328 

2020 8304 19614 1217 29135 

2021 8251 19493 1208 28952 

2022 8181 19330 1197 28708 

2023 8096 19130 1183 28409 

2024 8034 18983 1174 28191 

2025 7960 18807 1163 27930 

% increase 2013-1025 0.25% 0.32% 0.69% 0.32% 

As a representation of the primary pupil enrolment statistics, the graph below shows the 

enrolments dip which the primary schools have experienced over the past number of years. 

While the projections show an increase, the increase does not reach the high enrolment 

numbers experienced in 2004. The WELB and CCMS have been planning for the reduction in 

pupil numbers, which as a consequence has resulted in an increase in the number of unfilled 

places in schools. Consultations with schools over the past number of years has resulted in 

rationalisations, mergers and closures of schools within the WELB area. This Strategic Area 

Plan will build on this work with a more focused approach and all sectors are working together 

to reduce the number of unfilled places within the primary education sector to ensure that 

resources are focused on pupils learning and teaching experience. 

P 

u 

p 

i 

l 

N 

u 

m 

b 

e 

r 

s 

30500 

30000 

29500 

29000 

28500 

28000 

27500 

27000 

26500 

26000 

25500 

WELB Primary WELB School Enrolment Statistics: Historic and Projected - 2004-2025 

Historic Projected 

Year

Table 4 shows the approved enrolment number within the Primary Sector in the WELB area. In 

total there are 12,799 unfilled places. However, should there remain no change within the 

current approved enrolment this figure will decrease to 12,052 by the year 2025. 

Table 4: Primary Unfilled Places 

Year 

Total Pupils WELB Area 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

Unfilled Places 

2012 27295 39982 12799 * 

2025 27930 39982 12052 

* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places. 

The unfilled places have been further categorised by Sector as shown in Table 5. 

Table 5: Unfilled Places Breakdown by Sector: Current Year and projected to 2025 

Year 

Pupil 

Numbers 

Controlled Primary 


Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

Unfilled 

Places 




Pupil 

Numbers 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

- 14 - 

Unfilled 

Places 



Pupil 

Numbers 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

Unfilled 

Places 

2012 7806 11508 3714* 18309 27274 9046* 1180 1200 39* 

2025 7960 11508 3548 18807 27274 8467 1163 1200 37 

* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places. 

The Strategic Area Plan will consider reducing the number of unfilled places within the WELB 

area and provide appropriate places within each Council Area and Sector. The following 

Sections of this document look specifically at each Council Area. 


The information above summarises the current position and the estimated need in future years 

for the WELB. The Viability Audit at 22 February 2012, provided an assessment of the 

provision against criteria for educational quality, sustainable enrolment and financial viability. 

The Viability Audit showed: 

90 Primary Schools have an enrolment below the minimum threshold of 104 pupils for a 

rural school and 140 pupils in an urban primary school. Of these, 76 Primary Schools have 

less than 86 pupils; 

6 of schools failing KS2 criteria; 

0 Primary Schools are in Formal Intervention; 

54 primary schools do not meet the minimum threshold of 4 teachers; 

28 schools have a projected deficit of 5% or greater of schools beneath 5% financial 

criterion; and 

19 primary schools are experiencing stress in 2 or more criteria.

3.0 CASE FOR CHANGE 

As identified above, the WELB is mainly a rural area and schools are located in areas of 

population concentration. Over the years with a decline in the primary school population and 

migration of pupils, the rural areas with the WELB have been greatly affected. While the 

Sustainable Schools Policy refers to a minimum of 105 pupils as a rural school and 140 pupils 

as an urban school, the graph below identifies the number of the rural primary schools within 

the WELB area. 

Number of Schools 

85 

80 

75 

70 

65 

60 

55 

50 

45 

40 

35 

30 

25 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

72 

WELB Primary Schools by Enrolment Band - 2012/13 

17 

25 

20 

15 

7 

The WELB has a total of 179 Primary Schools of which 72 schools currently have less than 86 

pupils (representative of a 4 classroom school). The Sustainable Schools Policy identifies a 

rural school as having a minimum of 105 pupils. As the graph above shows, the WELB has 89 

schools which fall below this threshold. 

The WELB, while it recognises the rurality of its area, has a responsibility under the Strategic 

Area Plan for Primary Schools to review all schools which fall below the threshold of firstly 86 

pupils and 105 pupils. 

Consideration will be given to the potential for retention of these schools if it can be 

demonstrated that due to geographical location or community isolation that retention is a viable 

and sustainable option which would avoid significant displacement of pupils, the requirement 

for travel times outside of the recommended maxima in the sustainable schools policy and 

which would avoid negative impacts on community engagement with the schools. 

In considering the sustainability of a school, the WELB will consider all six criteria within the 

Sustainable Schools Policy: Quality Education Experience, Stable Enrolment Trends, Sound 

Financial Position, Strong Leadership and Management by Boards of Governors and 

Principals, Accessibility and Strong Links with the Community. 

In taking forward the review, the WELB will meet with the Principal and Board of Governors of 

each school and work with the school community to consider a local area solution for the 

sustainability of the school. For some schools, the WELB has already engaged in discussions 

and local area solutions are being explored. Schools which are located in areas where the 

potential for a cross-sectoral solution exists will be identified. This will be a bottom-up 

- 15 - 

2 

10 

4 

1 1 

0-85 86-104 105-139 140-199 200-249 250-299 300-349 350-399 400-449 450-499 500-549 >=550 

Enrolment Bands 

5

approach with proposals emerging from communities to enhance significantly the educational 

opportunities and outcomes for pupils. 

For schools above the Sustainable Schools threshold, the WELB has a responsibility to ensure 

that they meet the needs of pupils. These schools may play a vital role in providing a local area 

solution for primary education within the area and to reduce the overall unfilled places within 

schools. 

3.1 Strategic Area Planning Common Approach 

All ELBs and CCMS have agreed to undertake the review of schools in a similar approach. 

While it is acknowledged that individual schools have individual circumstances, as an initial 

approach to the Strategic Area Planning process, three categories have been identified and 

schools within the thresholds below have been placed within the categories: 

No change is proposed at present 

Local area solution to be explored 

Managing authority has approved action 

3.1.1 Schools above the relevant sustainable schools thresholds of 105 pupils 

(rural) and 140 pupils (urban) 


Schools above the relevant sustainable schools thresholds of 105 pupils (rural) 

and 140 pupils (urban) 

These schools are currently sustainable schools. However, it is important to also take 

account of the potential impact on, and need for change in, one of these schools as a 

consequence of action taken to manage issues in respect of a local area solution. 

3.1.2 Schools below the sustainable schools rural threshold of 105 pupils 

Local area solution to be explored or Managing authority has approved action 

Schools with 4 teachers or with an enrolment above 86 pupils but below the 

sustainable schools thresholds of 105 pupils (rural) and 140 pupils (urban) 

Consideration will be given to the potential for retention of these schools if it can be 

demonstrated that due to geographical location or community isolation that retention is a 

viable and sustainable option which would avoid significant displacement of pupils, the 

requirement for travel times outside of the recommended maxima in the sustainable 

schools policy and which would avoid negative impacts on community engagement with 

the schools. 

Schools with an enrolment less than 86 pupils and a 3 teacher school 

Consideration will be given to the potential for re-organisation of these schools through 

amalgamation of these schools with other local schools, change to the governance of 

the schools through the establishment of a federated model with a school of a similar 

size or larger or the potential closure of the school. 

Consideration will be given to the creation of an amalgamated school which would have 

at least 4 teachers if it can be demonstrated that due to geographical location or 

community isolation that the creation of such a school is a viable and sustainable option 

which would avoid significant displacement of pupils, the requirement for travel times 

- 16 -

outside of the recommended maxima in the sustainable schools policy and which would 

avoid negative impacts on community engagement with the schools. 

Schools with an enrolment less than 86 pupils and a 2 teacher school 

A detailed review of the schools will be undertaken. While closure of two teacher 

schools will be considered as a base-line option, where there are a number of such 

small schools in an area consideration will also be given to the creation of an 

amalgamated school which would have at least 4 teachers if it can be demonstrated that 

due to geographical location or community isolation that the creation of such a school is 

a viable and sustainable option which would avoid significant displacement of pupils, the 

requirement for travel times outside of the recommended maxima in the sustainable 

schools policy and which would avoid negative impacts on community engagement with 

the schools. 

3.1.3 Exploring Local Area Solutions 

The WELB, CCMS and educational sectors are currently engaging with schools 

regarding primary school provision within the area. For schools identified within the 

individual District Council Areas – School Proposals as ‘local area solution to be 

explored’, this will involve discussions with the school regarding the local area provision. 

This does not mean that the schools will close, rather it will be a positive approach to 

retain, where possible, as many rural schools in accordance with the Terms of 

Reference as outlined in Appendix A. It should be noted, that exploring a local area 

solution, schools with three teachers or below will be the first focus of the education 

sectors. 

3.2 Review of Irish Medium Education 

CnaG has advised that the future development of Irish Medium (IM) education will be taken 

forward through a Regional Strategy which will inform the Area Planning process. A business 

case has been submitted to the DE by CnaG. 

3.3 Shared Education 

Shared education means the organisation and delivery of education so that it: 

meets the needs of, and provides for the education together of learners from all Section 75 

categories and socio-economic status; 

involves schools and other education providers of differing ownership, sectoral identity and 

ethos, management type or governance arrangements; and 

delivers educational benefits to learners, promotes the efficient and effective use of 

resources, and promotes equality of opportunity, good relations, equality of identity, 

respect for diversity and community cohesion. 

On 19 July 2012 the Minister of Education announced the establishment of a Ministerial 

Advisory Group on advancing shared education. 

The Advisory Group will engage with key stakeholders as well as interested groups and 

individuals and will report its findings to the Minister for Education. 

The WELB and CCMS are engaging in initial discussions to explore Shared Education in 

school and communities which have identified shared education as a possible solution for the 

future educational provision within their area. The findings of the Advisory Group will guide and 

inform further discussions on Shared Education with schools. 

- 17 -

- 18 -

4.0 DERRY CITY COUNCIL AREA 


The Derry City Council Area is located in the North West and shares its boundary with 

Limavady Borough Council Area and Strabane District Council Area. Pupils cross council 

areas to access primary provision due to the close proximity of schools and boundary areas, 

this is expected and does not impact significantly the local primary provision. Derry City 

Council Area also shares its boundary with Co Donegal. Currently there is no cross border flow 

of pupils and consideration will only be given to future cross border flow should there be an 

identified interest. 


The WELB area has 179 Primary Schools, 44 of which are located in the Derry City Council 

Area. 35 Primary Schools are located in the City boundary limits and are classified as urban 

schools with the remaining 9 being classified as rural schools within the Council Area. 

The Derry City Council Area currently has: 44 Primary Schools 

68% 

5% 

27% 


30 Maintained Primary Schools and Irish 

Medium Primary Schools (Grant Maintained & 

Controlled) 

2 Integrated Primary Schools (Grant Maintained 

& Controlled). 

Derry City Council Area - Primary Schools 

Table 6 below provides an overview of the Primary Schools in the Derry City Council Area to 

include sector, enrolment statistics and number of teachers. 

- 19 - 






Maintained & Controlled)

Table 6: School Statistics 

School 

Reference 

Number 

Primary 

School 

Sector 

Historic Enrolment Numbers 

08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 

- 20 - 

Enrolment 

2012-13 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

2012-13 

Unfilled 

Places 

2012-13 

Number 

of 

Teachers 

2012-13 

2016124 Ashlea PS Controlled 71 59 51 50 54 230 176 4.00 

2012095 Ballougry PS Controlled 80 81 72 77 81 84 3 3.80 

2032278 Broadbridge 

PS 

Maintained 372 377 386 394 406 398 -8 17.00 

2036574 Bunscoil 

Cholmcille PS 

Maintained 135 122 116 100 97 196 99 7.00 

2036465 Chapel Road 

PS 

Maintained 181 183 190 193 199 276 77 9.60 

2032277 Craigbrack PS Maintained 99 88 71 53 42 138 96 3.00 

2012052 Culmore PS Controlled 78 73 74 84 82 95 13 4.00 

2016372 Cumber 

Claudy PS 

Controlled 124 119 131 128 137 199 62 6.00 

2012227 Drumahoe PS Controlled 245 245 234 238 237 290 53 11.25 

2010382 Ebrington PS Controlled 325 323 318 338 359 551 192 17.40 

2012245 Eglinton PS Controlled 205 198 195 189 191 230 39 8.62 

2016564 Fountain PS Controlled 65 70 72 72 66 141 75 5.60 

2046646 Gaelscoil Irish 128 122 36 120 114 145 31 8.00 

Eadain Mhoir Medium 

2046687 Gaelscoil na Irish 0 39 44 54 55 81 26 4.50 

Daróige Medium 

2032212 Glendermott 

PS 

Maintained 146 129 125 123 120 197 77 7.00 

2036288 Good 

Shepherd PS 

Maintained 395 378 382 366 354 408 54 17.56 

2016071 Greenhaw PS Controlled 246 245 241 226 241 254 13 14.00 

2052035 Groarty Controlled 31 32 41 41 40 63 23 3.00 

Integrated PS Integrated 

2036533 Hollybush PS Maintained 391 381 381 379 383 396 13 18.00 

2030381 Holy Child PS Maintained 223 215 218 208 196 404 208 13.00 

2036472 Holy Family PS Maintained 399 375 373 388 397 640 243 20.00 

2016203 Lisnagelvin PS Controlled 547 523 540 548 557 552 -5 24.62 

2032300 Listress PS Maintained 26 31 30 31 35 50 15 2.00 

2010380 Londonderry 

Model PS 

Controlled 325 313 306 301 290 380 90 15.00 

2036475 Longtower PS Maintained 255 237 228 228 217 605 388 11.00 

2033707 Mullabuoy PS Maintained 98 98 100 98 101 232 131 5.00 

2030373 Nazareth 

House PS 

Maintained 260 240 236 228 233 395 162 11.00 

2012261 Newbuildings 

PS 

Controlled 172 172 155 155 156 355 199 8.62 

2066558 Oakgrove 

Integrated PS 

Integrated 438 445 454 445 395 400 5 20.00 

2030364 Rosemount PS Maintained 220 233 217 234 249 523 274 14.00 

2036259 Sacred Heart 

PS, Trench 

Road 

Maintained 308 315 328 321 338 553 215 15.00 

2036069 St Anne's PS, 

Derry 

Maintained 487 464 436 416 440 724 284 18.00

Table 6: School Statistics (continued) 

School 

Reference 

Number 


School 

Sector 


08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 

- 21 - 

Enrolment 

2012-13 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

2012-13 

Unfilled 

Places 

2012-13 

Number 

of 

Teachers 

2012-13 

2036142 St Brigid's PS, 

Carnhill 

Maintained 293 272 259 262 265 450 185 14.00 

2036082 St Colmcilles 

PS, Claudy 

Maintained 260 250 238 244 244 348 104 11.00 

2036247 St Columba's 

PS, 

Newbuildings 

Maintained 50 54 48 51 53 175 122 3.00 

2036473 St Eithne's PS, 

Ballymagroarty 

Maintained 495 450 449 435 443 552 109 22.00 

2036555 St Eugene's PS, 

Londonderry 

Maintained 166 169 156 151 151 261 110 8.00 

2036032 St John's PS, 

Bligh's Lane 

Maintained 582 553 549 567 577 726 149 27.00 

2032294 St Mary's PS, 

Altinure 

Maintained 201 202 199 190 180 200 20 8.20 

2036143 St Oliver 

Plunkett PS, 

Strathfoyle 

Maintained 157 161 159 165 172 273 101 8.00 

2036581 St Patrick's PS, 

Pennyburn 

Maintained 828 821 822 839 842 930 88 36.00 

2036227 St Paul's PS, 

Slievemore 

Maintained 150 146 137 129 119 527 408 8.00 

2036461 St Therese's 

PS, Lenamore 

Maintained 392 371 373 359 358 487 129 16.00 

2036084 Steelstown PS Maintained 422 399 380 359 350 657 307 17.00 

Totals 

11071 

10773 

10550 

10577 

10616 

15759 

5156* 

* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places. There are currently 2 schools oversubscribed by a total of 13 pupils. 

The table above shows the decline in pupil numbers over past four years within the Derry City 

Council Area. Since 2008 there are 455 less pupils in the primary schools which has resulted 

in 5,156 unfilled places in the area. The number of teachers (full time equivalent), currently 

employed within each school has been identified, as indicated in Section 1.3, to identify any 

school which falls below a four teacher school. 






As indicated earlier in section 2.3, cross boundary flows are a natural factor within Primary 

Schools in the WELB. In consideration of traditional catchment areas of schools and parental 

choice trends, cross boundary flows within the WELB do not significantly impact on the current 

primary provision within an area. 

524.77


Table 7, below, shows the total number of projected pupils over the next 13 years for the Derry 

City Council Area. The table shows an increase in numbers until 2019 after which the pupil 

numbers fall by 3.65% to below the current enrolment numbers within the area. 

Table 7 : Derry City Council Area - Needs Model - Primary Pupils 

Year 



Maintained 


and Irish Medium 



& Controlled) 

- 22 - 




Controlled) 

Total 

Derry City Council 


2013 2482 7907 446 10835 

2014 2501 7967 449 10917 

2015 2528 8054 454 11036 

2016 2559 8151 460 11170 

2017 2572 8191 462 11225 

2018 2576 8204 463 11243 

2019 2553 8129 459 11141 

2020 2518 8018 452 10988 

2021 2496 7946 448 10890 

2022 2469 7857 443 10769 

2023 2438 7755 438 10631 

2024 2419 7696 434 10549 

2025 2397 7625 430 10452 

Table 8 shows the approved enrolment number within the Primary Sector in the Derry City 

Council Area. In total there are currently 5,156 unfilled places. 


Year 

Total Pupils Derry City Council 


Approved Enrolment 

Number 


2012 10616 15759 5156* 

2025 10452 15759 5307 

* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places 



Year 

Pupil 

Numbers 



Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

Unfilled 

Places 




Pupil 

Numbers 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

Unfilled 

Places 



Pupil 

Numbers 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

Unfilled 

Places 

2012 2451 3349 903* 7730 11947 4225* 435 463 28* 

2025 2397 3349 952 7625 11947 4322 430 463 33 


Table 8 details the actual unfilled places within each school in the Derry City Council Area. In 

reducing the number of unfilled places, the proposals taken forward within the Area Plan will 

reduce the number of unfilled places, but by the nature of primary schools, as identified in 

Table 8, the number of places is widely distributed throughout the Council Area.


All 44 of the Derry City Council Area Primary Schools were subject to a Viability Audit on 22 

February 2012. The Viability Audit provided an assessment of the provision against criteria for 

educational quality, sustainable enrolment and financial viability. 


All of the primary schools within Derry City Council Area are experiencing unfilled 

places; 

35 Primary Schools classified as ‘Urban’ with 10 Primary Schools falling below the 

minimum threshold of 140 pupils; 

5 Primary Schools do not meet the minimum threshold of 4 teachers; 

There are no Primary schools in formal intervention; 

The issue of underachievement only applies to 1 Primary School; 

2 schools have a projected deficit greater than 5%; and 

2 schools are experiencing stress within 2 or more criteria. 

The Viability Audit provided a baseline, at a point in time, on which to take forward area 

planning. The information provided by the Audit assisted the WELB in undertaking the 

Strategic Area Plan for Primary Schools in the Derry City Council Area. 

4.6 Proposal for the Derry City Council Area 

In planning for the future need for Primary provision in the Derry City Council Area, the WELB 

considered the Viability Audit and the future enrolment projections provided in the Needs 

Model. The WELB also considered current enrolment numbers and unfilled places which 

currently exist within the primary schools in the Council Area. 

School 

Reference 

Number 


School 


2016124 Ashlea PS Local area solution to be explored 

Proposal Action 

(Based on the Terms of Reference for Area 

Based Planning (December 2011) and the 

Sustainable Schools Policy 

(The WELB has met with the Board 

of Governors regarding the 

downturn in enrolment numbers 

and budgetary projections. Due to 

the close proximity to other local 

schools and a recent ETI report 

which highlighted - it will be 

important that the employing 

authority, school governors and staff 

plan for, and manage, issues related 

to the sustainability of the school 

provision and school budget, in 

order to address the current and 

future need of the children and 

staff.) 

- 23 - 

A number of issues in the school and/or local 

area have been identified and need to be 

addressed. 

School’s enrolment for 2012/13, 54 pupils, 

is below the minimum enrolment threshold 

detailed in the Sustainable Schools Policy. 

176 unfilled places in the school.

School 

Reference 

Number 


School 

Controlled Primary Schools (continued) 

2012095 Ballougry PS Local area solution to be explored 

2012052 Culmore PS Local area solution to be explored 

2016372 Cumber 

Claudy PS 





- 24 - 



addressed. 




Pattern of enrolment is increasing. 



addressed. 




Pattern of enrolment is increasing. 

No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 

sustainable within the local area context in 

relation to enrolment and financial viability. 

2012227 Drumahoe PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



2010382 Ebrington PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 


relation to enrolment and financial viability. A 

new build 14 classroom school and nursery unit 

planned for 2017 will reduce the unfilled places 

in the local area. 

2012245 Eglinton PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



new build 8 classroom school is planned for 

2015. 

2016564 Fountain PS Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school and/or local 


addressed. 



detailed in the Sustainable Schools Policy.. 

75 unfilled places in the school. 

2016071 Greenhaw PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



2016203 Lisnagelvin PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



2010380 Londonderry 

Model PS 

2012261 Newbuildings 

PS 






relation to enrolment and financial viability.

School 

Reference 

Number 


School 





Maintained Primary Schools and Irish Medium Primary Schools (Grant Maintained & Controlled) (continued) 

2032278 

2036574 

Broadbridge 

PS 

Bunscoil 

Cholmcille 

2036465 Chapel Road 

PS 




Local area/parish solution to be 

explored 

- 25 - 



addressed. 








2032277 Craigbrack PS Managing authority has approved 

action in regard to this school 

2046646 

2046687 

Gaelscoil 

Eadain Mhoir 

Gaelscoil na 

Daróige 

2032212 Glendermott 

PS 

2036288 Good 

Shepherd PS 

CCMS will consult on a proposal to 

provide a new build solution to 

service the needs of 3 schools, 

Craigbrack, Mullabuoy and Listress 

Primary Schools, on the outskirts of 

Derry. 


explored 

A Business Case on a Regional 

Strategy for IM education is 

currently with DE. 


explored 






addressed. 




Pattern of low admissions. 




addressed. 






addressed. 




Pattern of enrolment - developing school, 

increasing admissions numbers. 







2036533 Hollybush PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



2030381 Holy Child PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



2036472 Holy Family PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



School 

Reference 

Number 


School 






2032300 Listress PS Managing authority has approved 







Derry. 

- 26 - 



addressed. 

More than 2 composite classes in a single 

classroom. 

2 teachers in 2012-2013. 

School’s enrolment for 2012/13, 35 pupils is 

below the minimum enrolment threshold 


2036475 Longtower PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



2033707 Mullabuoy PS Managing authority has approved 


2030373 Nazareth 

House PS 






Derry. 



addressed. 







2030364 Rosemount PS Local area/parish solution to be 

explored 


PS, Trench 

Road 


Derry 


Carnhill 

2036082 St Colmcille's 

PS, Claudy 


PS, 

Newbuildings 

The school is currently considered to be 

sustainable. 














explored 



addressed. 


classroom. 





Pattern of enrolment is declining. 


School 

Reference 

Number 


School 






2036473 St Eithne's PS, 

Ballymagroarty 


Derry 


Bligh’s Lane 


Altinure 


Plunkett PS, 

Strathfoyle 


Pennyburn 


Slievemore 

2036461 St Therese PS, 

Lenamore 





explored 

- 27 - 


sustainable. 














explored 


explored. 



addressed. 






sustainable. 

2036084 Steelstown PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



Integrated Primary Schools (Grant Maintained & Controlled) 

2052035 Groarty CIPS Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school and/or local 


addressed. 

More than 2 composite classes in a 

single classroom. 


School’s enrolment for 2012/13, 40 

pupils, is below the minimum 

enrolment threshold detailed in the 

Sustainable Schools Policy. 

2066558 Oakgrove IPS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 




The WELB’s vision for the area reflects that of DE’s vision as detailed in the introduction to this 

Plan “To ensure that every learner fulfils his or her full potential at each stage of development.” 

In moving forward with this vision, above information details the proposals to be taken forward 

within the WELB. 

As indicated in Section 1.3, the process of taking forward proposals is complex and it will take 

time to carry out the Strategic Area Plan and it will be a rolling process which will continue over 

a number of years. In implementing this plan, the WELB has its own priorities, and the DE will 

also have a role to play in determining what can be afforded. 

The graph below identifies the number of schools below and above the Sustainable Schools 

thresholds. 

The proposals for the Derry City Council Area, identified above, are a first step to ensuring a 

sustainable schools estate, and as the area planning process moves forward all schools under 

the minimum Sustainable Schools Policy threshold will be reviewed. This will allow the WELB 

to ensure the schools meet the needs of the area and the Terms of Reference as outlined in 

Appendix A. The WELB is very aware that the rurality of its area will mean that there will 

always be schools which fall below the Sustainable Schools Policy threshold and it will only be 

through a local area solution to be reviewed that the WELB can justify the retention of schools 

below the minimum threshold numbers. 

Derry City Council Area: Summary of the Proposals (details above) 


Ashlea PS 

Ballougry PS 

Bunscoil Cholmcille 

Culmore PS 

Fountain PS 

Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir 

Gaelscoil na Daróige 

Groarty CIPS 

Rosemount PS 

St Columba's PS, Newbuildings 

St Eugene's PS, Derry 

St Paul's PS, Slievemore 

St Therese PS, Lenamore 

- 28 - 


Craigbrack PS 

Listress PS 

Mullabuoy PS

- 29 -

5.0 FERMANAGH DISTRICT COUNCIL AREA 


Fermanagh District Council Area is in the South East and shares its boundary with Omagh 

District Council and Dungannon District Council. Fermanagh District Council is a rural council 

area with Enniskillen as the county town. Fermanagh District Council Area also shares a 

boundary with Southern Ireland. Currently there is no primary cross border flow of pupils and 

consideration will only be given to future cross border flow should there be an identified 

interest. 


The Fermanagh District Council Area currently has: 43 Primary Schools 

61% 

Fermanagh District Council Area - Primary Schools 

2% 

37% 

- 30 - 



Medium Primary Schools (Grant 

Maintained & Controlled) 

1 Integrated Primary School (Grant 

Maintained & Controlled). 







Table 10 below provides an overview of the primary schools in the Fermanagh District Council 

Area to include sector, enrolment statistics and number of teachers.


School 

Reference 

Number 

Primary School 

Sector 


08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 

- 31 - 

Enrolment 

2012-13 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

2012-13 

Unfilled 

Places 

2012-13 

Number 

of 

Teachers 

2012-13 

2011873 

Aghadrumsee 

PS 

Controlled 41 33 31 28 31 81 50 2.54 

2011893 

Ballinamallard 

PS 

Controlled 143 156 150 145 151 198 47 8.62 

2011860 Belleek No 2 PS Controlled 35 39 40 42 42 46 4 2.40 

2011894 

Brookeborough 

PS 

Controlled 61 62 60 58 61 116 55 3.40 

2046669 

Bunscoil an 

Traonaigh 

Irish 

Medium 

31 36 37 31 37 58 21 3.00 

2031892 Cornagague PS Maintained 56 49 48 52 Amalgamated with Corranny PS to form St Macartan’s PS 

2031886 Corranny PS Maintained 73 71 80 77 Amalgamated with Cornagague PS to form St Macartan’s PS 

2011899 

Derrygonnelly 

PS 

Controlled 40 37 36 37 44 98 54 2.00 

2066549 

Enniskillen 

Integrated 

Integrated PS 

240 244 245 246 233 244 11 11.30 

2016152 

Enniskillen 

Model PS 

Controlled 441 417 417 419 427 482 55 17.00 

2011881 

Florencecourt 

PS 

Controlled 111 113 107 105 102 116 14 5.12 

2036632 Holy Trinity PS Maintained 591 566 605 575 611 935 324 28.26 

2016151 Irvinestown PS Controlled 137 142 140 137 156 182 26 6.62 

2016003 

Jones 

Memorial PS 

Controlled 179 185 178 185 178 373 195 8.02 

2011787 Kesh PS Controlled 172 177 172 174 195 220 25 9.50 

2031897 

Killyhommon 

PS 

Maintained 61 60 63 66 62 116 54 3.00 

2016184 Lack PS Controlled 47 51 45 46 46 107 61 2.80 

2016218 Lisbellaw PS Controlled 194 189 192 184 193 232 39 8.69 

2016127 

Maguiresbridge 

PS 

Controlled 92 91 91 93 90 104 14 4.00 

2011789 Moat PS Controlled 107 112 108 105 113 195 82 5.00 

2011879 

Newtownbutler 

PS 

Controlled 46 51 55 54 60 104 44 4.00 

2036213 

St Columban's 

PS, Belcoo 

Maintained 127 114 116 106 103 172 69 5.00 

2036258 

St Davog's PS, 

Belleek 

Maintained 60 55 65 81 78 175 97 4.00 

2031888 

St Eugene's PS, 

Lisnaskea 

St John the 

Maintained 35 35 32 27 20 102 82 2.00 

2031887 Baptist PS, 

Roscor 

Maintained 74 65 63 51 50 73 23 3.00 

2036070 

St Joseph's PS, 

Ederney 

Maintained 136 130 128 120 116 169 53 6.08 

2036107 


Donagh 

Maintained 75 77 73 78 80 158 78 4.00 

2036659 

St Macartan's 

PS, Roslea 

Maintained 128 145 17 6.00


School 

Reference 

Number 


Sector 


08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 

- 32 - 

Enrolment 

2012-13 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

2012-13 

Unfilled 

Places 

2012-13 

Number 

of 

Teachers 

2012-13 

2036105 

St Martin's PS, 

Garrison 

Maintained 91 101 92 99 87 171 84 4.00 

2031876 

St Mary's PS, 

Brookeborough 

Maintained 80 65 62 56 55 138 83 2.00 

2031884 

St Mary's PS, 

Killesher 

Maintained 67 71 70 74 82 91 9 3.00 

2031895 

St Mary's PS, 


Maintained 89 84 92 95 94 134 40 5.00 

2031890 

St Mary's PS, 

Mullymesker 

Maintained 116 112 120 121 134 109 -21 4.74 

2031869 

St Mary's PS, 

Maintained 

Newtownbutler 

135 141 148 153 153 244 91 7.00 

2036181 

St Mary's PS, 

Teemore 

Maintained 65 68 71 71 82 131 49 3.40 

2036356 

St Mary's PS, 

Tempo No 2 

Maintained 98 100 95 109 106 175 69 4.00 

2036090 

St Naile's PS, 

Kinawley 

Maintained 79 90 88 96 92 141 49 5.00 

2031880 

St Ninnidh's PS, 

Derrylin 

Maintained 134 137 134 129 121 145 24 6.00 

2031874 

St Patrick's PS, 

Derrygonnelly 

Maintained 130 123 126 116 124 198 74 6.00 

2031828 

St Patrick's PS, 

Mullanaskea 

Maintained 195 193 195 202 199 190 -9 8.60 

2031898 

St Paul's PS, 

Irvinestown 

Maintained 219 219 223 229 228 348 120 10.62 

2031901 

St Ronan's PS, 

Lisnaskea 

Maintained 245 225 228 251 256 406 150 13.00 

2031868 

St Tierney's PS, 

Roslea 

Maintained 78 82 83 94 92 196 104 5.00 

2031863 Tattygar PS Maintained 47 50 53 63 54 73 19 3.00 

2016102 Tempo PS Controlled 84 84 80 90 93 141 48 4.00 

Totals 5357 5302 5337 5370 5459 8032 2607* 259.71 


The table above shows the decline in pupil numbers over past four years within the Fermanagh 

District Council Area. Since 2008 there are 102 less pupils in the primary schools which have 

resulted in 2,607 unfilled places in the area. The number of teachers (full time equivalent), 

currently employed within each school has been identified, as indicated in Section 1.3, to 

identify any school which falls below a four teacher school. 





District Council Area.






Table 11, below, shows the total number of projected pupils over the next 13 years for the 

Fermanagh District Council Area. The table shows an increase in numbers by 2.7% (153 

pupils) in 2025 from the projections in 2013. 

Table 11 : Fermanagh District Council Area - Needs Model - Primary Pupils 

Year 




Schools and Irish 

Medium Primary 



Controlled) 

- 33 - 




Controlled) 

Total 

Fermanagh District 


2013 1997 3397 229 5623 

2014 2018 3432 231 5681 

2015 2067 3517 237 5821 

2016 2112 3592 242 5946 

2017 2129 3621 244 5994 

2018 2140 3639 245 6024 

2019 2131 3624 244 5999 

2020 2121 3606 243 5970 

2021 2116 3598 242 5956 

2022 2104 3579 241 5924 

2023 2087 3549 239 5875 

2024 2071 3522 237 5830 

2025 2052 3489 235 5776 

Table 12 shows the capacity within the Primary Sector in the Fermanagh District Council Area. 

In total there are currently 2,607 unfilled places. 


Year Total Pupils Fermanagh Area 


Number 


2012 5459 8032 2607* 

2025 5776 8032 2256 




Year 

Pupil 

Numbers 



Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

Unfilled 

Places 




Pupil 

Numbers 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

Unfilled 

Places 



Pupil 

Numbers 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

2012 1982 2795 813 3244 4993 1783* 233 244 11 

2025 2052 2795 743 3489 4993 1504 235 244 9 


Unfilled 

Places

Table 10 details the actual unfilled places within each school in the Fermanagh District Council 

Area. In reducing the number of unfilled places, the proposals taken forward within the Area 

Plan will reduce the number of unfilled places, but by the nature of primary schools, as 

identified in Table 10, the number of places is widely distributed throughout the Council Area. 


All 43 of the Fermanagh District Council Area Primary Schools were subject to a Viability Audit 

on 22 February 2012. The Viability Audit provided an assessment of the provision against 

criteria for educational quality, sustainable enrolment and financial viability. 


2 Primary Schools are oversubscribed; 

22 Primary Schools fall below the ‘Rural’ minimum threshold of 105 pupils; 


There are no primary schools in formal intervention; 

The issue of underachievement applies to 2 Primary Schools; 

8 Primary Schools have a projected deficit of greater than 5%; and 

5 Primary Schools are experiencing stress within 2 or more criteria. 

5.6 Proposal for the Fermanagh District Council Area 

In planning for the future need for Primary provision in the Fermanagh District Council Area, the 

WELB considered the Viability Audit and the future enrolment projections provided in the Needs 



School 

Reference 

Number 


School 


2011873 Aghadrumsee 

PS 






. 

- 34 - 



addressed. 


classroom. 

2.54 teachers in 2012-2013. 





School 

Reference 

Number 


School 


2011893 Ballinamallard 

PS 








2011860 Belleek PS Local area solution to be explored 

2011894 Brookeborough 

PS 

2011899 Derrygonnelly 

PS 

2016152 Enniskillen 

Model PS 

2011881 Florencecourt 

PS 

Shared education in the Belleek area 

to be investigated. 



- 35 - 



addressed. 


classroom. 

2.4 teachers in 2012-2013. 






addressed. 






addressed. 


classroom. 








new build 16 classroom school and 2 speech 

and language classrooms is planned for 2017. 

Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school and/or local 


addressed. 

School’s enrolment for 2012/13, 102 

pupils, is below the minimum enrolment 

threshold detailed in the Sustainable 

Schools Policy. 

2016151 Irvinestown PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



2016003 Jones Memorial 

PS 




2011787 Kesh PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



School 

Reference 

Number 


School 






2016184 Lack PS Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school and/or local 


addressed. 


classroom. 

2.8 teachers in 2012-2013. 




2016218 Lisbellaw PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



2016127 Maguiresbridge 

PS 


- 36 - 



addressed. 




2011789 Moat PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



2011879 Newtownbutler 

PS 


2016102 Tempo PS Local area solution to be explored 



addressed. 



detailed in the Sustainable Schools Policy 



addressed. 




Maintained Primary Schools and Irish Medium Primary Schools (Grant Maintained & Controlled) 

2046669 Bunscoil an 

Traonaigh 



Strategy for IM education is currently 

with DE. 

Critical issues in the school/local area have 

been identified. 


classroom. 

3 teachers in 2012-2013.. 




2036632 Holy Trinity PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



School 

Reference 

Number 


School 






2031897 Killyhommon 

PS 

2036213 St Columban's 

PS, Belcoo 

2036258 St Davog’s PS, 

Belleek 

2031888 St Eugene's 

PS, Lisnaskea 

2031887 St John the 

Baptist PS 

2036107 

2036070 


Donagh 


Ederney 

2036659 St Macartan’s 

PS, Roslea 

2036105 St Martin's PS, 

Garrison 


explored 

- 37 - 

A number of issues in the school/local area 

have been identified. 


classroom. 









explored 



Managing authority has approved 

action in regard to this school. 

Development proposal for closure 

published. 


explored 




explored 

A number issues in the school/local area have 








classroom. 





The schools cannot live within its delegated 

budget. 


area have been identified. 













Formerly Corranny PS and 

Cornagague PS – amalgamated in 

April 2012 


explored 








detailed in the Sustainable Schools Policy.

School 

Reference 

Number 


School 







Brookeborough 


Killesher 




Mullymesker 


Newtownbutler 


Teemore 


Tempo 

2036090 St Naile's PS, 

Kinawley 

2031880 St Ninnidh's PS, 

Derrylin 


Derrygonnelly 


explored 


explored 


explored 

- 38 - 




classroom. 








classroom. 

















explored 




classroom. 

3.4 teachers in 2012-2013. 








explored 











relation to enrolment and financial viability. .

School 

Reference 

Number 


School 







Mullanaskea 


Irvinestown 

2031901 St Ronan's PS, 

Lisnaskea 










2031868 St Tierney's PS Local area/parish solution to be 

explored 

2031863 Tattygar PS Local area/parish solution to be 

explored 

. 


- 39 - 







area have been identified. 




2066549 Enniskillen IPS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 








As indicated in section 1.3, the process of taking forward proposals is complex and it will take 





thresholds.

The proposals for the Fermanagh District Council Area, identified above, are a first step to 

ensuring a sustainable schools estate, and as the area planning process moves forward all 

schools under the minimum Sustainable Schools Policy threshold will be reviewed. This will 

allow the WELB to ensure the schools meet the needs of the area and the Terms of Reference 

as outlined in Appendix A. The WELB is very aware that the rurality of its area will mean that 

there will always be schools which fall below the Sustainable Schools Policy threshold and it 

will only be through a local area solution to be reviewed that the WELB can justify the retention 

of schools below the minimum threshold numbers. 

Fermanagh District Council Area: Summary of the Proposals (details above) 


Aghadrumsee PS 

Belleek PS 

Brookeborough PS 

Bunscoil an Traonaigh 

Derrygonnelly PS 

Florencecourt PS 

Killyhommon PS 

Lack PS 

Maguiresbridge PS 

Newtownbutler PS 

St Davog’s PS, Belleek 

St John the Baptist PS 

St Joseph's PS, Donagh 

St Martin's PS, Garrison 

St Mary's PS, Brookeborough 

St Mary's PS, Killesher 

St Mary's PS, Maguiresbridge 

St Mary's PS, Teemore 

St Naile's PS, Kinawley 

St Patrick's PS, Derrygonnelly 

St Tierney's PS, Roslea 

Tattygar PS 

Tempo PS 

- 40 - 


St Eugene's PS, Lisnaskea

- 41 -

6.0 LIMAVADY BOROUGH COUNCIL AREA 


Limavady Borough Council Area located in the North West shares its boundary with Derry City 

Council, Strabane District Council, Coleraine Borough Council and Magherafelt District Council 

areas. Limavady Borough Council is a mainly rural area. 


The Limavady Borough Council Area currently has: 19 Primary Schools 

- 42 - 





1 Integrated Primary Schools (Grant 


Table 14 below provides an overview of the Primary Schools in the Limavady Borough Council 

Area to include sector, enrolment statistics and number of teachers. 


School 

Referenc 

e Number 

70% 


Sector 


08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 

Enrolment 

2012-13 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

2012-13 

Unfilled 

Places 

2012-13 

Number 

of 

Teachers 

2012-13 

2012298 Ballykelly PS Controlled 275 283 241 241 244 586 342 10.16 

2012087 Bellarena PS Controlled 34 34 35 39 38 74 36 2.00 

2016029 Drumachose PS Controlled 231 222 228 231 229 413 184 11.00 

206656 Drumrane PS Controlled 93 92 89 104 106 116 10 4.50 

2033706 Faughanvale PS Maintained 121 128 151 163 164 279 115 8.00 

2046689 Gaelscoil Léim 

an Mhadaidh 

5% 

Limavady Borough Council Area - Primary Schools 

Irish 

Medium 

25% 

(new school September 

2011) 







18 30 29 -1 2.00


School 

Referenc 

e Number 


2016700 Gaelscoil 

Neachtain 

2016426 Limavady 

Central PS 

2066665 Roe Valley 

Integrated PS 

2033708 St Aidan's PS, 

Magilligan 

2032265 St Anthony's PS 

(Roe) 

2036045 St Canice's PS, 

Dungiven 


Feeny 

2036149 St Finlough's 

PS, Sistrakeel 


Dernaflaw 


Gortnaghey PS 

2032286 St Matthew's 

PS, Limavady 

2036085 St Peter's & St 

Paul's PS 

2032287 Termoncanice 

PS 

Sector 


08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 

- 43 - 

Enrolment 

2012-13 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

2012-13 

Unfilled 

Places 

2012-13 

Number 

of 

Teachers 

2012-13 

Controlled 

Irish 

Medium 

(new school September 2012) 63 175 112 3.00 

Controlled 521 502 475 480 474 595 121 20.41 

Integrated 125 138 158 153 176 174 -2 8 

Maintained 48 45 43 43 38 82 44 3.00 

Maintained 31 30 32 26 25 106 81 2.00 

Maintained 353 336 334 320 277 476 199 14.60 

Maintained 111 106 104 104 108 162 54 5.00 

Maintained 49 46 55 66 68 87 19 3.40 

Maintained 150 146 137 129 136 144 8 6.00 

Maintained 34 31 35 44 45 76 31 3.00 

Maintained 87 91 86 82 82 113 31 4.74 

Maintained 51 49 57 58 50 116 66 3.00 

Maintained 524 510 508 505 507 746 239 24.00 

Totals 2838 2789 2768 2806 2860 4549 1692* 137.81 


The table above shows a slight increase in pupil numbers over the past four years within the 

Limavady Borough Council Area. Since 2008 there are 22 more pupils in the primary schools 

which have resulted in 1,692 unfilled places in the area. The number of teachers (full time 

equivalent), currently employed within each school has been identified, as indicated in Section 

1.3, to identify any school which falls below a four teacher school. 







Schools in the WELB. In consideration of traditional catchment areas of schools and parental



6.4 Pupil Projections 


Limavady Borough Council Area. The table shows an overall decrease in pupils numbers by 

6.17% (166 pupils) in 2025 from the projections in 2013. 

Table 15 : Limavady Borough Council Area - Needs Model - Primary Pupils 

Year 








Controlled) 

- 44 - 




& Controlled) 

Total 

Limavady Borough 


2013 1115 1586 156 2857 

2014 1130 1608 158 2896 

2015 1147 1632 160 2939 

2016 1165 1658 163 2986 

2017 1168 1663 163 2994 

2018 1163 1655 163 2981 

2019 1142 1626 160 2928 

2020 1136 1618 159 2913 

2021 1113 1586 156 2855 

2022 1090 1553 152 2795 

2023 1067 1520 149 2736 

2024 1058 1508 148 2714 

2025 1049 1495 147 2691 

Table 16, below shows the approved enrolment number within the Primary Sector in the 

Limavady Borough Council Area. In total there are currently 1,692 unfilled places. 


Year Total Pupils Area 


Number 


2012 2860 4549 1692* 

2025 2691 4549 1858 




Year 

Pupil 

Numbers 



Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

Unfilled 

Places 




Pupil 

Numbers 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

Unfilled 

Places 



Pupil 

Numbers 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

2012 1091 1784 693 1593 2591 999* 176 174 0 

2025 1049 1784 735 1495 2591 1096 147 174 27 


Unfilled 

Places

Table 14 details the actual unfilled places within each school in the Limavady Borough Council 





One Primary School in the Limavady Borough Council Area opened on 1 September 2012, so 

therefore 18 of the 19 schools were subject to the Viability Audit on 22 February 2012. The 

Viability Audit provided an assessment of the provision against criteria for educational quality, 

sustainable enrolment and financial viability. 


All of the Primary Schools within Limavady Borough Council Area are experiencing 

unfilled places; 

10 primary schools fall below the ‘Rural’ minimum threshold of 105 pupils; 

6 primary schools do not meet the minimum threshold of 4 teachers; 


The issue of underachievement applies to 2 primary schools; 

3 schools have a projected deficit greater than 5%; and 

1 school is experiencing stress within 2 or more criteria. 

6.6 Proposal for the Limavady Borough Council Area 

In planning for the future need for Primary provision in the Limavady Borough Council Area, the 




School 

Reference 

Number 


School 






2012298 Ballykelly PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



2012087 Bellarena PS Local area solution to be explored Critical issues in the school/local area have 



classroom. 





2016029 Drumachose 

PS 




2016656 Drumrane PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



2016426 Limavady 

Central PS 




- 45 -

School 

Reference 

Number 


School 






2033706 Faughanvale 

PS 

2046689 Gaelscoil Léim 

an Mhadaidh 

2016700 Gaelscoil 

Neachtain 

2033708 St Aidan's PS, 

Magilligan 

2032665 St Anthony's 

PS, Roe 


Dungiven 


Feeny 

2036149 St Finlough's 

PS 


Dernaflaw 


Gortnaghey 





with DE. 



explored 


explored 




explored 



explored 

- 46 - 




New school established in September 2011. 

School to develop of the coming years. 

New school established in September 2012. 

School to develop of the coming years. 




classroom. 








classroom. 






















classroom. 





School 

Reference 

Number 


School 







PS, Limavady 

2036085 St Peter's & St 

Paul's PS 

2032287 Termoncanice 

PS 


explored 


explored 



2066665 Roe Valley 

Integrated PS 



- 47 - 






issues in the school/local area have been 

identified. 


classroom. 




















thresholds.

The proposals for the Limavady Borough Council Area, identified above, are a first step to 








Limavady Borough Council Area: Summary of the Proposals (details above) 


Bellarena PS 

St Aidan's PS, Magilligan 

St Anthony's PS, Roe 

St Finlough's PS 

St Mary's PS, Gortnaghey 

St Matthew's PS, Limavady 

St Peter's and St Paul's PS 

- 48 - 

Managing authority has approved action

- 49 -

7.0 OMAGH DISTRICT COUNCIL AREA 


Omagh District Council is bordered by the council areas of Fermanagh and Strabane and to the 

east by the Southern Education and Library Board areas of Cookstown and Dungannon. The 

area has a mainly rural setting and due to this many pupils travel across boundaries to access 

primary education. 


The Omagh District Council Area currently has: 42 Primary Schools 

72% 

2% 

Omagh District Council Area - Primary Schools 

26% 

- 50 - 





1 Integrated Primary Schools (Grant 



Maintained Primary Schools and Irish 





Table 18 below provides an overview of the Primary Schools in the Omagh District Council 



School 

Reference 

Number 


Sector 


08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 

- 51 - 

Enrolment 

2012-13 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

2012-13 

Unfilled 

Places 

2012-13 

Number 

of 

Teachers 

2012-13 

2036557 All Saint's PS Maintained 20 32 34 53 66 111 45 3.00 

2036449 Christ The King 

PS 

Maintained 130 144 143 141 138 337 199 10.00 

2016663 Cooley PS Controlled 127 121 122 122 119 174 55 6.62 

2012660 Denamona PS Controlled 76 74 63 63 63 131 68 4.00 

2012707 Dromore PS Controlled 43 36 33 35 34 91 57 2.00 

2032639 Drumduff PS Maintained 47 47 44 45 40 74 34 3.00 

2032677 Drumlish PS Maintained 52 56 57 54 52 51 -1 3.00 

2012378 Dunmullan PS Controlled 63 64 59 54 47 78 31 3.00 

2046677 Gaelscoil na Irish 50 62 70 84 90 87 -3 5.80 

gCrann 

Medium 

2016089 Gibson PS Controlled 277 257 266 271 270 436 166 13.00 

2012648 Gillygooley PS Controlled 60 49 46 44 42 98 56 2.00 

2016395 Gortin PS Controlled 45 48 50 48 51 106 55 3.00 

2032712 Gortnagarn PS Maintained 58 52 43 36 31 66 35 2.00 

2036674 Holy Family PS Maintained 351 380 29 16.00 

2032628 Knocknagor PS Maintained 53 52 53 55 56 65 9 3.02 

2012671 Langfield PS Controlled 40 42 42 38 38 83 45 2.60 

2032537 Loreto Convent 

PS 

Maintained 191 197 198 197 Amalgamated with St Colmcille’s PS to form Holy Family PS 

2032473 Magheralough 

PS 

Maintained 27 31 33 34 34 51 17 2.00 

2012344 McClintock PS Controlled 93 82 77 79 79 105 26 4.00 

2012691 Omagh County 

PS 

Controlled 305 307 288 265 277 393 116 13.80 

2066552 Omagh 

Integrated 324 335 337 347 336 319 -17 15.8 

Integrated PS 

2036415 Our Lady of 

Lourdes PS 

Maintained 101 101 105 111 106 134 28 5.00 

2012669 Queen 

Elizabeth II PS 

Controlled 56 51 49 49 40 61 21 3.00 

2032704 Recarson PS Maintained 130 119 114 113 120 131 11 6.00 

2032723 Roscavey PS Maintained 35 39 36 40 43 91 48 2.00 


PS, Tattyreagh 

Maintained 88 91 93 94 92 102 10 3.80 


Altamuskin 

Maintained 63 69 66 65 71 80 9 4.00 


Mountfield 

Maintained 38 28 26 24 27 94 67 2.00 

2036053 St Colmcille’s 

PS, Omagh 

Maintained 189 187 171 164 Amalgamated with Loreto Convent PS to form Holy Family 

PS 

2032737 St Columbkille's 

PS, 

Carrickmore 

Maintained 260 263 256 275 278 273 -5 13.97 

2036116 St Conor's PS, 

Omagh 

Maintained 391 378 379 374 375 408 33 17.00


School 

Reference 

Number 


Sector 


08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 

- 52 - 

Enrolment 

2012-13 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

2012-13 

Unfilled 

Places 

2012-13 

Number 

of 

Teachers 

2012-13 

2036186 St Dympna's 

PS, Dromore 

Maintained 95 117 137 158 174 145 -29 6.00 


Tycur 

Maintained 41 41 37 35 33 48 15 2.00 

2032700 St Joseph's PS, 

Drumquin 

Maintained 93 97 103 96 95 175 80 5.00 

2032684 St Lawrence's 

PS, Fintona 

Maintained 196 203 193 202 217 243 26 11.00 

2032687 St Macartan's 

PS, Dromore 

Maintained 35 32 30 27 22 70 48 2.00 


Killyclogher 

Maintained 371 382 380 369 363 406 43 16.00 


PS, Garvaghey 

Maintained 27 32 33 30 29 81 52 2.00 


Plunkett PS, 

Beragh 

Maintained 102 86 77 84 79 145 66 4.60 


Eskra 

Maintained 61 66 74 72 75 86 11 3.30 


Gortin 

Maintained 81 78 73 72 75 142 67 4.20 

2036153 St Scire's PS, 

Trillick 

Maintained 97 109 106 107 109 143 34 5.50 

2032731 St Teresa's PS, 

Loughmacrory 

Maintained 136 138 147 143 141 176 35 7.82 

2032603 Tummery PS Maintained 75 56 53 57 52 95 43 3.00 

Totals 4842 4851 4796 4826 4830 6565 1790* 246.83 


The table above shows that since 2008 the numbers have remained fairly steady in the primary 

schools in the Omagh District Council Area which has resulted in 1,790 unfilled places in the 

area. The number of teachers (full time equivalent), currently employed within each school has 

been identified, as indicated in Section 1.3, to identify any school which falls below a four 

teacher school. 







Schools in the WELB. In consideration of traditional catchment areas of schools and parental





Omagh District Council Area. The table shows an increase in numbers over the years to show 

an increase of 7.43% (393 pupils) in 2025 from the projections in 2013. 

Table 19 : Omagh District Council Area - Needs Model - Primary Pupils 

Year 








Controlled) 

- 53 - 




& Controlled) 

Total 

Omagh District Council 


2013 1092 3481 325 4898 

2014 1115 3557 332 5004 

2015 1145 3655 341 5141 

2016 1163 3711 347 5221 

2017 1176 3755 351 5282 

2018 1195 3818 357 5370 

2019 1211 3869 362 5442 

2020 1215 3882 363 5460 

2021 1212 3874 362 5448 

2022 1206 3855 360 5421 

2023 1197 3827 358 5382 

2024 1188 3797 355 5340 

2025 1177 3762 352 5291 

Table 20 shows the approved enrolment number within the Primary Sector in the Omagh 

District Council Area. In total there are currently 1,790 unfilled places. 




Number 


2012 4830 6565 1790* 

2025 5291 6565 1274 


The unfilled places had been further categorised by Sector as shown in Table 21. 

Table 21: Unfilled Places - Breakdown by Sector: Current Year and projected to 2025 

Year 

Pupil 

Numbers 



Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

Unfilled 

Places 




Pupil 

Numbers 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

Unfilled 

Places 



Pupil 

Numbers 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

2012 1060 1756 696 3434 4490 1094* 336 319 0 

2025 1177 1756 579 3762 4490 738 352 319 0 


Unfilled 

Places

Table 18 details the actual unfilled places within each school in the Omagh District Council 





All 44 of the Omagh District Council Area were subject to a Viability Audit on 22 February 2012. 

The Viability Audit provided an assessment of the provision against criteria for educational 

quality, sustainable enrolment and financial viability. 


3 Primary Schools within the Omagh District Council Area are oversubscribed; 




The issue of underachievement applies to 1 primary school; 

8 Primary Schools have a projected deficit greater than 5%; and 

7 schools are experiencing stress within 2 or more criteria. 

7.6 Proposals for the Omagh District Council Area 

In planning for the future need for Primary provision in the Omagh District Council Area, the 




School 

Reference 

Number 


School 






2016663 Cooley PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



2012660 Denamona PS Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school/local area 





2012707 Dromore PS Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school/local area 



classroom. 





- 54 -

School 

Reference 

Number 


School 






2012378 Dunmullan PS Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school/local area 



classroom. 





2016089 Gibson PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



2012648 Gillygooley PS Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school/local area 



classroom. 





2016395 Gortin PS Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school/local area 



classroom. 





2012671 Langfield PS Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school/local area 



classroom. 

2.6 teachers in 2012-2013. 




2012344 McClintock PS Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school/local area 





2012691 Omagh 

County PS 

2012669 Queen 

Elizabeth II PS 




Local area solution to be explored A number of issues in the school/local area 



classroom. 





- 55 -

School 

Reference 

Number 


School 






2036557 All Saint's PS Local area/parish solution to be 

explored 

2036449 Christ the King 

PS 

- 56 - 




classroom. 








2032639 Drumduff PS Local area/parish solution to be 

explored 

2032677 Drumlish PS Local area/parish solution to be 

explored 

2046677 Gaelscoil na 

gCrann 




with DE. 

2032712 Gortnagarn PS Managing authority has approved 


CCMS is to progress a consultation 

on the future of the school. 

2036674 Holy Family PS No change is proposed at present 

2032628 Knocknagor PS 

Amalgamation of Loreto Convent PS and 

St Colmcille’s PS in September 2012 


explored 




classroom. 








classroom. 

3.00 teachers in 2012-2013. 












classroom. 











classroom. 

3.02 teachers in 2012-2013. 



detailed in the Sustainable Schools Policy

School 

Reference 

Number 


School 






2032473 Magheralough 

PS 

2036415 Our Lady of 

Lourdes PS, 

Greencastle 


explored 

- 57 - 




classroom. 








2032704 Recarson PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



2032723 Roscavey PS Local area/parish solution to be 

explored 


PS 


Altamuskin 


Mountfield 

2032737 St 

Columbkille's 

PS, 

Carrickmore 


explored 


explored 


explored 






classroom. 


















classroom. 








The school operates and Irish Medium Unit – 

Total school enrolment 278 inclusive of 58 

pupils attending the Irish Medium Unit. 

2036116 St Conor's PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



School 

Reference 

Number 


School 






2036186 St Dympna's 

PS, Dromore 


PS, Tycur 


Drumquin 

2032684 St Lawrence's 

PS, Fintona 

2032687 St Macartan's 

PS, Dromore 


Killyclogher 


PS, Garvaghey 


Plunkett's PS, 

Beragh 


Eskra 



Proposal to increase school capacity 

from 145 to 210 from 31 August 2013, 

or as soon as possible thereafter. 






explored 

- 58 - 







classroom. 




















classroom. 









explored 


explored 


explored 




classroom. 















School 

Reference 

Number 


School 







Gortin 

2036153 St Scire's PS, 

Trillick 

2032731 St Teresa's PS, 

Loughmacrory 


explored 

- 59 - 












2032603 Tummery PS Local area/parish solution to be 

explored 


2066552 




classroom. 





Omagh IPS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 













thresholds.

The proposals for the Omagh District Council Area, identified above, are a first step to ensuring 

a sustainable schools estate, and as the area planning process moves forward all schools 

under the minimum Sustainable Schools Policy threshold will be reviewed. This will allow the 

WELB to ensure the schools meet the needs of the area and the Terms of Reference as 

outlined in Appendix A. The WELB is very aware that the rurality of its area will mean that 




Omagh District Council Area: Summary of the Proposals (details above) 


All Saint's PS 

Denamona PS 

Dromore PS 

Drumduff PS 

Drumlish PS 

Dunmullan PS 

Gaelscoil na gCrann 

Gillygooley PS 

Gortin PS 

Knocknagor PS 

Langfield PS 

Magheralough PS 

McClintock PS 

Queen Elizabeth II PS 

Roscavey PS 

Sacred Heart PS 

St Brigid's PS, Altamuskin 

St Joseph's PS, Drumquin 

St Matthew's PS, Garvaghey 

St Oliver Plunkett's PS, Beragh 

St Patrick's PS, Eskra 

St Patrick's PS, Gortin 

Tummery PS 

- 60 - 


Gortnagarn PS 

St Brigid's PS, Mountfield 

St Dympna's PS, Dromore 

St Eugene's PS, Tycur 

St Macartan's PS, Dromore

- 61 -

8.0 STRABANE DISTRICT COUNCIL AREA 


Strabane District Council is bordered by the Council areas of Derry, Limavady and Omagh and 

to the east by the North Eastern Education and Library Board area of Magherafelt. Pupils cross 

council areas to access primary provision due to the close proximity of schools and boundary 

areas, this is expected and does not impact significantly on the local primary provision. 

Strabane District Council Area also shares its boundary with Co Donegal. Currently there is no 

cross border flow of pupils and consideration will only be given to future cross border flow 

should there be an identified interest. 


The Strabane District Council Area currently has: 31 Primary Schools 

65% 

Strabane District Council Area - Primary Schools 

35% 

- 62 - 






Maintained Primary Schools and Irish 



Table 22 below provides an overview of the Primary Schools in the Strabane District Council 


Table 22: Schools Statistics 

School 

Reference 

Number 


Sector 


08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 

- 63 - 

Enrolment 

2012-13 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

2012-13 

Unfilled 

Places 

2012-13 

Number 

of 

Teachers 

2012-13 

2032722 Altishane PS Maintained 38 34 38 30 28 48 20 2.00 

2016376 Ardstraw PS Controlled 59 54 51 48 Amalgamated with Drumlegagh PS to form Ardstraw 

Jubilee PS 

2016701 Ardstraw Jubilee 

PS 

Controlled 74 108 34 4.62 

2016068 Artigarvan PS Controlled 134 122 109 108 104 175 71 5.88 

2032510 Barrack Street 

Boys' PS 

Maintained 131 126 122 119 125 285 160 9.00 

2016645 Bready Jubilee 

PS 

Controlled 87 87 97 108 119 145 26 5.00 

2012674 Bridgehill PS Controlled 46 35 34 33 28 105 77 2.00 

2012711 Donemana PS Controlled 95 89 90 88 86 162 76 4.20 

2012392 Drumlegagh PS Controlled 42 44 36 36 Amalgamated with Ardstraw PS to form Ardstraw Jubilee 

PS 

2012638 Edwards PS Controlled 164 146 146 150 158 203 45 9.00 

2032631 Envagh PS Maintained 28 33 30 29 24 75 51 2.00 

2012617 Erganagh PS Controlled 43 39 42 41 44 107 63 3.00 

2032702 Evish PS Maintained 55 55 52 48 51 69 18 3.00 

2046638 Gaelscoil Uí Irish 131 121 127 128 129 150 21 9.00 

Dhochartaigh Medium 

2012641 Killen PS Controlled 92 96 98 98 94 110 16 5.00 

2032724 Loughash PS Maintained 37 30 28 28 27 56 29 2.00 

2016262 Newtownstewart 

Model PS 

Controlled 76 74 65 58 61 145 84 3.00 

2016442 Sion Mills PS Controlled 242 238 235 224 216 333 117 11.00 


Strabane 

Maintained 250 243 254 225 222 295 73 10.00 


Cranagh 

Maintained 38 37 34 34 35 58 23 2.00 

2032694 St Caireall's PS, 

Castlederg 

Maintained 84 88 85 82 90 190 100 4.00 

2032730 St Columba's PS, 

Clady 

Maintained 94 98 108 105 108 142 34 5.00 


Victoria Bridge 

Maintained 53 55 57 66 60 97 37 3.00 

2032600 St Francis of 

Assisi PS, 

Drumnabey 

Maintained 45 32 30 31 15 104 89 2.00 


Glenmornan 

Maintained 32 37 33 36 42 72 30 3.00 

2032689 St Mary’s Boys’ 

PS, Strabane 

393 372 361 348 Amalgamated with St Mary’s Girls’ PS to form St Mary’s PS 

2036096 St Mary’s Girls’ 

PS, Strabane 

266 247 255 249 Amalgamated with St Mary’s Boys’ PS to form St Mary’s PS

Table 22: Schools Statistics (continued) 

School 

Reference 

Number 


Sector 


08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 

- 64 - 

Enrolment 

2012-13 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

2012-13 

Unfilled 

Places 

2012-13 

Number 

of 

Teachers 

2012-13 


Cloughcor 

Maintained 192 195 202 198 188 197 9 8.00 


Strabane 

Maintained 596 600 4 27.00 


Castlederg 

Maintained 201 200 195 202 222 259 37 11.00 


Dunamanagh 

Maintained 42 36 37 42 41 106 65 2.00 


Newtownstewart 

Maintained 146 142 124 123 113 145 32 6.00 

2036097 St Peter's PS, 

Plumbridge 

Maintained 88 82 81 76 75 140 65 4.00 

2036459 St Theresa's PS, 

Glebe 

Maintained 125 131 119 120 117 165 48 5.00 

2012708 Strabane PS Controlled 235 224 232 232 238 231 -7 11.57 

Totals 3784 3642 3607 3543 3530 5077 1554* 183.27 

* Adjusted to remove oversubscribed places. There is currently 1 school oversubscribed by a total of 7 pupils. 

The table above shows the decline in pupil numbers over the past four years within the 

Strabane District Council Area. Since 2008 the numbers have decreased by 254 pupils in the 

primary schools which have resulted in 1,554 unfilled places in the area. The number of 

teachers (full time equivalent), currently employed within each school has been identified, as 

indicated in Section 1.3, to identify any school which falls below a four teacher school. 












Strabane District Council Area. The table shows an increase in numbers over the years to 

show an increase of 2.47% (92 pupils) in 2025 from the projections in 2013.

Table 23 : Strabane District Council Area - Needs Model - Primary Pupils 

Year 








Controlled) 

- 65 - 




& Controlled) 

Total 

Strabane District 


2013 1254 2376 0 3630 

2014 1259 2384 0 3643 

2015 1280 2424 0 3704 

2016 1307 2477 0 3784 

2017 1310 2483 0 3793 

2018 1315 2491 0 3806 

2019 1319 2499 0 3818 

2020 1314 2490 0 3804 

2021 1313 2490 0 3803 

2022 1311 2487 0 3798 

2023 1307 2480 0 3787 

2024 1297 2460 0 3757 

2025 1285 2437 0 3722 

Table 24, below, shows the approved enrolment number within the Primary Sector in the 

Strabane District Council Area. In total there are currently 1,554 unfilled places. 




Number 


2012 3530 5077 1554* 

2025 3722 5077 1355 




Year 

Pupil 

Numbers 



Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

Unfilled 

Places 




Pupil 

Numbers 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

Unfilled 

Places 



Pupil 

Numbers 

Approved 

Enrolment 

Number 

2012 1222 1824 609* 2308 3253 945 0 0 0 

2025 1285 1824 539 2437 3253 816 0 0 0 


Unfilled 

Places 

Table 25 details the actual unfilled places within each school in the Strabane District Council 





All 31 of the Strabane District Council Area Primary Schools were subject to a Viability Audit on 

22 February 2012. The Viability Audit provided an assessment of the provision against criteria 

for educational quality, sustainable enrolment and financial viability.


2 Primary Schools in the Strabane District Council Area are oversubscribed; 



There are no Primary Schools in formal intervention; 

7 Primary Schools have a projected deficit greater than 5%; and 

4 Primary Schools are experiencing stress in 2 or more criteria. 

8.6 Proposal for the Strabane District Council Area 

In planning for the future need for Primary provision in the Strabane District Council Area, the 




School 

Reference 

Number 


School 


2016376 Ardstraw 

Jubilee PS 






Ardstraw PS and Drumlegagh PS 

amalgamated on 1 September 2012, 

to form Ardstraw Jubilee PS. 

- 66 - 

Amalgamated School to develop as a newly 

amalgamated school 

2016068 Artigarvan PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



2016645 Bready Jubilee 

PS 




2012674 Bridgehill PS Managing authority has approved 


Development Proposal for the 

school to close on 31 August 2013 

has been published. 

2012711 Donemana PS Local area solution to be explored 




classroom. 






budget. 






School 

Reference 

Number 


School 






2012638 Edwards PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



2012617 Erganagh PS Local area solution to be explored Critical issues in the school/local area have 



classroom. 





2012641 Killen PS Local area solution to be explored Critical issues in the school/local area have 





2016262 Newtownstew 

art PS 


- 67 - 




classroom. 





2016442 Sion Mills PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 



2012708 Strabane PS No change is proposed at present The school is currently considered to be 




2032722 Altishane PS Local area/parish solution to be 

explored 

2032510 Barrack Street 

Boys' PS, 

Strabane 



CCMS is to consult on the potential 

amalgamation with St Anne's PS, 

Strabane 




classroom. 








School 

Reference 

Number 


School 






2032631 Envagh PS Managing authority has approved 


CCMS to consult on the potential 

closure of the school. 

2032702 Evish PS Local area/parish solution to be 

explored 

2046638 Gaelscoil Uí 

Dhochartaigh 

A review of the provision to be 

completed. 





2032724 Loughash PS Local area/parish solution to be 

explored 


Strabane 


Cranagh 

2032694 St Caireall's 

PS, Castlederg 


PS, Clady 



CCMS to consult on the potential 

amalgamation with Barrack Street 

Boys’ PS 


explored 


explored 

- 68 - 




classroom. 








classroom. 


School’s enrolment for 2012/13, 51 pupils, is 









classroom. 











classroom. 






have been identified.. 







School 

Reference 

Number 


School 







PS, Victoria 

Bridge 

2032600 St Francis of 

Assisi PS 


Glenmornan 


Cloughcor 


Strabane 


Castlederg 


Dunamanagh 


Newtownstew 

art 


explored 



CCMS is to consult on the potential 

closure of the school. 


explored 

- 69 - 




classroom. 








classroom. 






budget. 




classroom. 









Amalgamation of St Mary’s Girls’ 

and St Mary’s Boys’ Primary Schools 

on 1 September 2012 








explored 




classroom. 








School 

Reference 

Number 


School 






2036097 St Peter's PS, 

Plumbridge 

2036459 St Theresa's 

PS, Glebe 



explored 

- 70 - 


have been identified.. 
















thresholds. 

The proposals for the Strabane District Council Area, identified above, are a first step to 







of schools below the minimum threshold numbers.

Strabane District Council Area: Summary of the Proposals (details above) 


Altishane PS 

Donemana PS 

Erganagh PS 

Evish PS 

Killen PS 

Loughash PS 

Newtownstewart PS 

St Brigid's PS, Cranagh 

St Caireall's PS, Castlederg 

St Columba's PS, Clady 

St Eugene's PS, Victoria Bridge 

St Joseph's PS, Glenmornan 

St Patrick's PS, Dunamanagh 

St Peter's PS, Plumbridge 

- 71 - 


Barrack Street Boys' PS, Strabane 

Bridgehill PS 

Envagh PS 

St Anne's PS, Strabane 

St Francis of Assisi PS

9.0 THE PROCESS OF TAKING FORWARD THE PROPOSALS 

The Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, states that it is the: ‘Duty of Boards 

to secure provision of Primary and Secondary Education’. 

The WELB recognises its duty to: 

‘secure that there are available in its area sufficient schools for providing primary and 

secondary education and the schools available for an area shall not be deemed to be sufficient 

unless they are sufficient in number, character and equipment to afford for all pupils opportunity 

for education offering such variety of instruction and training as may be desirable in view of 

their different ages, abilities and aptitudes and of the different periods for which they may be 

expected to remain at school, including practical instruction and training appropriate to their 

respective needs’ (Part 3, Article 6). 

The WELB, working in close conjunction with CCMS and actively engaging with other sectors, 

CnaG, GBA and NICIE established a Working Group to expedite the Area Planning Process. 

The submission of the Draft WELB Strategic Area Plan for Primary Provision for the WELB, on 

14 February 2013, is the result of the collaboration and sharing across all educational sectors 

through the WELB Putting Pupils First: Shaping Our Future Working Group. 

Subject to DE approval to the recommendations contained within the Draft WELB Strategic 

Area Plan for Primary Provision, the WELB will undertake public consultation in partnership 

with the DE. 

10.0 CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN THE SCHOOLS ESTATE 

In taking forward many of the amalgamations/mergers and expansion of schools, capital 

investment is required to take forward solutions and provide improvements to the schools 

estate under Strategic Area Plan for Primary Schools. Within the area, new build schools and 

capital investment for extensions and/or refurbishments will be taken forward in schools which 

the Strategic Area Plan and managing authorities identify as schools meeting the long term 

educational needs of pupils within the area. 

The WELB, CCMS and other sectors have identified sustainable schools which the Strategic 

Area Plan identified as ‘no change at present’ but the condition of their current building would 

require investment for a new school building. Capital investment in the WELB schools estate 

will be taken forward through the Capital Investment Programme and the Schools 

Enhancement Programme. 

11.0 ISSUE FOR CONSIDERATION 

The Education Minister, John O'Dowd’s recent appointment of Sir Robert Salisbury to lead an 

independent panel to undertake the review of the Common Funding Scheme for Schools. On 

21 January 2013, an Independent Review of the Common Funding Scheme was published. 

The recommendations of this Review will have major implications for WELB schools, especially 

small rural schools. The Review is currently with the DE for consideration. 

- 72 -

12.0 CIRCUMSTANCES DRIVEN BY PUPIL NEED 

The WELB Draft Strategic Area Plan for Primary Schools is a document which reflects the 

position at the date of publication. However, as we live in an evolving environment, 

circumstances may arise which will necessitate the WELB and/or education partners having to 

take forward actions/proposals in advance of either the close of the consultation period or the 

publication of a Final WELB Strategic Area Plan for Primary Schools. 

Any proposals/actions taken forward in advance of the close of the consultation period will be 

taken in order to meet the needs of pupils. 

- 73 -

APPENDIX A 

Area Planning – Terms of Reference 

Area Planning – Terms of Reference - 15 December 2011 

Introduction 

In his Statement to the Assembly, on 26 September 2011, the Education Minister, John 

O’Dowd MLA, highlighted the need to move forward with the implementation of the Sustainable 

School Policy and the process of strategic planning on an area basis. 

The Minister has made it clear that, against the backdrop of an extremely challenging financial 

landscape in the coming years, progress on reshaping the structure and pattern of education 

provision cannot be delayed. This work is at the core of the raising standards agenda which 

can only be delivered efficiently and effectively through a network of strong, sustainable 

schools that command the confidence of the communities they serve. 

The Minister has indicated that, until such times as the Education and Skills Authority (ESA) is 

established, the existing statutory bodies must work together to deliver a more strategic areabased 

approach to planning the delivery of education. 

Task 

The Minister is commissioning the Education and Library Boards, working in close conjunction 

with CCMS and engaging extensively with other school sectors, to develop collective strategic 

plans on an area basis. 

The focus will be on developing a planned network of viable and sustainable schools capable of 

delivering effectively the revised curriculum and the Entitlement Framework and of providing 

adequate access to a range of educational provision appropriate to the needs of the children 

and young people in an area. It will therefore be essential that a broad vision of the type and 

scale of education provision required to meet the future needs is agreed, encompassing the 

various models to do so. 

Scope 

The exercise will cover the provision of all grant-aided primary and post-primary schools of all 

management types in each of the five Education and Library Board areas. At this stage, it does 

not apply to pre-school provision. 

The plan must cover the entirety of primary and post-primary provision within the Board area 

and must take account of cross boundary issues. However if there are issues arising from the 

Viability Audit or the Formal Intervention Programme that require early action the Boards 

should put in place an action plan to protect the interests of the pupils in advance of full area 

plan being available. Decision to move in advance of the area plan being drawn up and 

approved should be based on robust evidence and the professional opinion of the Education 

and Library Boards, following engagement with CCMS and the other sectors where applicable. 

To support the SEN Review and, in recognition of the regional nature of the highly specialised 

facilities required to meet the needs of the most vulnerable children in our society, the process 

will examine the pattern of free standing Special School provision 

The Minister has requested that the initial focus should be on post-primary provision, including 

the delivery of viable 6 th form provision and the pattern of free standing special school. 

- 74 -

In taking forward this work the Boards and CCMS must ensure that their assessment takes 

account of the Department’s commitments in the Programme for Government, and supports the 

implementation of, the Departmental policies, in particular Sustainable Schools; ESaGS; the 

revised curriculum and the Entitlement Framework; Count, Read: Succeed; Irish Medium 

Review and the SEN Review. It should also take account of commitments outlined in the Good 

Friday Agreement and subsequent legislation in relation to Integrated and Irish medium 

provision. (This list of policies is not exhaustive.) Throughout the process the principles of 

promoting equality of opportunity and good relations should be adhered to. 

The work should also reflect the prevailing financial climate and the centrality of financial 

viability and stability going forward and that the minimum number of enrolled pupils needed to 

secure future financial stability may be higher than the minimum thresholds set out in the 

Sustainable Schools Policy. 

Following initial engagement with the Boards and CCMS, detailed guidance will be issued by 

the Department covering the area planning process. For illustrative purposes the likely stages 

are as follows:- 

Stage 1 Prepare an area profile, outlining current provision in the area using robust and 

verifiable data. 

Stage 2 Examine the current viability and future sustainability of existing provision in line 

with the relevant DE policies, taking account of the Viability Audit Report. 

Stage 3 Anticipate future need by sector using robust and verifiable data. 

Stage 4 Identify under or over provision by sector in the area taking account of cross 

boundary flows. 

Stage 5 Identify options to address under or over provision by sector taking account of 

cross boundary flows which deliver viable and sustainable schools. 

Stage 6 Produce an area plan of education provision to meet future demand. 

Stage 7 Submit the draft area plan to the Department for consideration and approval to 

proceed to public consultation. 

Stage 8 Consideration of consultation responses, finalisation of area plan for submission 

to the Department for approval. 

In delivering an area plan the Boards, working with CCMS and engaging extensively with other 

school sectors should take account of the guidance issued by the Department and seek to fulfil 

the following aims/objectives to:- 

ensure a network of sustainable schools, within reasonable travelling distance for pupils 

and capable of delivering effectively the revised curriculum and, in post-primary schools, 

the Entitlement Framework; 

identify and meet the needs of all children and young people in the area; 

enhance the quality of provision and raise standards; 

reduce the number of surplus places; 

reduce duplication of provision; 

identify realistic, innovative and creative solutions to address need, including 

opportunities for shared schooling on a cross sectoral basis; 

maximise the use and sharing of the existing schools estate; 

identify potential for co-location of mainstream and special schools; 

- 75 -

take full account of appropriate and relevant FE Sector provision for 14-19 year olds; 

and 

explore opportunities for cross border planning. 

Deliverables 

Each Board should present to the Department of Education a draft area plan which:- 

reflects Departmental policies and priorities; 

delivers all aforementioned the objectives; and 

ratified by the Education and Library Board and CCMS. 

Timescales 

Given the size of the cohort of pupils requiring stand-alone special schools and the regional 

nature of this provision, the Minister has requested that this area is prioritised and plans are 

submitted to the Department by end February 2012*. 

The initial plan covering post-primary provision, including 6 th form provision, should be 

submitted to the Department of Education not later than end March 2012*. 

The plan covering the primary provision should be submitted not later than end June 2012*. 

* These dates are indicative at the moment and will be subject to discussion with the Education 

and Library Boards. 

Authority 

The Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986 (Articles 5 and 6) outlines the duty of the 

Education and Library Boards to secure efficient and sufficient provision of primary and 

secondary education within the board area to meet the needs of all pupils. 

Additionally, Article 142 of the Education Reform (NI) Order 1989 places a subsidiary statutory 

duty on CCMS to promote and co-ordinate the planning of the effective provision of Catholic 

maintained schools. 

Other School Sectors 

The trustees and Boards of Governors of grant-maintained integrated schools, voluntary 

grammar schools and other voluntary maintained schools, including Irish medium schools, and 

the relevant sectoral bodies will also have an important contribution to make to this process. It 

will be a requirement of the process for the Boards to engage and seek input from these 

sectors. 

Department of Education 

The Department of Education will set the policy context, provide advice and guidance on the 

process and will consider and, if satisfied, approve the area plans following consultation on the 

draft area plans. 

- 76 -

Draft WELB Strategic Area Plan for Primary Schools - Western ...

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?