Northern Ireland Commission for Catholic Education: Post Primary Review

The Trustees of the Dioceses of Clogher and Kilmore have this week announced the publication of a series of proposed options on the future of Post-Primary education provision in the dioceses of Clogher and Kilmore.

The options for consideration are the culmination of the outcomes of a wide ranging review process which was launched by the Bishop of Clogher, the Most Reverend Joseph Duffy in May 2005.

The review of post-primary educational provision in both Dioceses was prompted by the growing concerns of local Trustees, boards of governors and the principals. 

These concerns included the implications for local grammar and post-primary schools of the demographic downturn, falling enrolments, curriculum changes and new Government policy on ‘A Shared Future’ and sustainability.

In response, the Trustees invited schools to become part of a strategic, inclusive and planned review which put the needs of the pupil at the centre of Catholic educational provision

Over the last year, a review group made up of trustees, governors and principals from local post-primary and grammar schools have been assessing the challenges facing the current delivery of post-primary education in both dioceses and considering possible options for the future.  They have been supported throughout this process by the Trustees’ Post-Primary Review Team.

The review group have now proposed three options for consideration in relation to future of post-primary education in both dioceses. These options include:

1. The creation of two 11-14 years of age, non-selective colleges, based in Lisnaskea and Enniskillen. These colleges would encompass all post primary schools in the two Dioceses. At the age of 14 all pupils would transfer to a 14-19 College in Enniskillen.

1A .This option includes the potential for developing a 4-14 model which may bring  together primary and post-primary schools into one single institution.

2. The establishment of two non-selective 11-16 colleges with the development of a 6^th form centre or college in Enniskillen. At post-16 all pupils who wish to do so would transfer to a 16-19 College based on two sites in Enniskillen.

3. The establishment of two non-selective 11-19 colleges in Lisnaskea and Enniskillen.

With the publication of the proposed options the Trustees have now initiated a pre-consultation period and are inviting key stakeholders to review and comment on the options being suggested.

The pre-consultation process provides an opportunity for the community and other key stakeholders to influence the development of these options and to identify other options.

The Project Board which gives direction on the project will consider any alternative options which address the challenge of developing sustainable post-primary education which meet the needs of all children within the two Dioceses.

Any final decision on future structures will only be made after a further formal consultation process with parents, pupils and other key stakeholders within the community and in the context of clear direction from government on the future of post-primary education across Northern Ireland.

Speaking of the publication of the proposed options, Bishop Joseph Duffy, Chair of the Project Board for the post-primary review in the Dioceses of Clogher and Kilmore said;

“As Chair of the Project Board for the Post- Primary Review of the Dioceses of Clogher and Kilmore, I would like to express my support and gratitude for the work currently being undertaken in the review of post- primary provision within the Dioceses.

Schools within the two Dioceses have been challenged to review the delivery of both primary and post primary education and to design options and plans for the future.

In doing so the project must address the need to work collaboratively with other education providers in the region for the mutual benefit of all pupils and with the ultimate aim of improving choice for all parents and pupils who attend our schools. Catholic schools have a vital role to play in the continued development of a truly pluralist society in the North of Ireland and they are open and inclusive centres of learning.

The review has already clarified significant challenges for all of us if we are to maintain the pivotal role of the school in our parish communities. It is clear from the ongoing work that we need to meet these challenges with the ultimate aim of securing the long term future of a sustainable and vibrant Catholic education community.

We are now at a stage where decisions need to be made on a complex range of issues. The education of our young people affects us all, so it is very important that we consult as widely as possible to ensure that all options are considered.

The options being proposed represent a potential way forward but no decision has been made on a preferred option. Through this process we are keen to gather the views of the community on these options and to identify other options that can address the challenges we are facing. I would encourage all to consider these options carefully and to have their say on this vital issue.”

To obtain a copy of the pre-consultation document which contains all of the options in greater detail please click here

Email clogherkilmore@pprce.org to request a copy.

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For further information please contact

Paul O’Connor

Communications Officer

Telephone       028 9039 3891

Email               pauloconnor@pprce.org

Notes to Editors

Schools involved in the Project

1. Mount Lourdes Grammar School , Enniskillen
2. St Aidan's High School. Derrylin
3. St Comhghall’s High School, Lisnaskea
4. St Eugene's College, Roslea
5. St Fanchea's College, Enniskillen
6. St John's High School , Dromore*
7. St Joseph 's College, Enniskillen
8. St Mary's High School, Brollagh
9. St Mary's College, Irvinestown
10. St Michael's College, Enniskillen

*Given its proximity to Omagh, St John's Dromore will become part of an upcoming post primary project in the Omagh area. However, the school will still remain within the Trusteeship of the Diocese of Clogher and will have a significant role to play in Post Primary Education within the Diocese.

Management of the Project

A Project Board - This provides the overall direction for the Clogher and Kilmore Project:

• Rev Dr Joseph Duffy, Bishop of Clogher

• Rev Dr Leo O'Reilly, Bishop of Kilmore

• Trustees from across the two Dioceses

A Review Group - which reviews the activities of the project and provides professional

Comment on potential outcomes:

• Principals of all post-primary schools in the Dioceses of Clogher and Kilmore

• Board of Governor representatives from all post-primary schools in the Dioceses of

  Clogher and Kilmore

• Representatives of primary sector in Dioceses of Clogher and Kilmore

A Project Support Team

The project has been supported by staff from the Northern Ireland Commission for Catholic Education which represents the senior trustees of all Catholic-managed schools in Northern Ireland.

Northern IrelandCommission for Catholic Education

• The Northern Ireland Commission for Catholic Education is comprised of Senior Trustees, Diocesan and Religious.
• The members include; Bishop P Walsh, Bishop S.Hegarty, Bishop Donal McKeown.
• The remaining members are Sister A.M McQuaid RSM, Sister P Rodgers PSC and Brother S Deignan FSC.
• The Chair of the Northern Ireland Commission for Catholic Education is Bishop Donal McKeown
• Post Primary Review officer for Clogher and Kilmore is Martin McIlvenny