Staff, parents and pupils were left stunned in April when it was announced by the commissioners sent in to run the SEELB that the school was to close.



In theory the school will close in December, but in reality parents are spending the summer months searching for alternativee schools to send their children to in September.

However, it appears many have been left without a place and it has even been suggested some pupils will now have to return to Hilden in September.

Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson said this week the situation is "unacceptable" and he has written to the Minister for Education and the SEELB for an explanation as to why places have not been organised at suitable schools for pupils.

Mr Donaldson commented: "The Department of Education have refused to make extra places at alternative schools. I have written to the Minister and the Board for an explanation. It is not acceptable children are told their school is to close and nothing is done to provide places for them elsewhere.

"I appreciate the frustration and uncertainty faced by parents," he added. The school was originally saved from closure in 2006 and given three years to turn around its fortunes. But the plug was dramatically pulled in April.

However, Mr Donaldson and some parents are confident they could reach the target of 106 pupils to keep the school open.

"There is a new brigade coming to Thiepval which will see a large number of children coming into the area and there are not enough places at the schools that would normally serve army children," Mr Donaldson said. "There are also the extra children from the proposed housing development at the former Hilden Mill site. It is understandable parents are raising these issues."

Parent Amanda Jones said: "We are asking for a grace period. We can get the pupils we need to stay open, we are a great school."