Dismay as Ministerconfirms closure of Dunmurry High

There was dismay at Dunmurry last year after the South Eastern Education Board’s Commissioners decided to go ahead with publishing a Development Proposal to close the school from August 2012.

The final decision by the minister came despite extensive appeals from public representatives and parents to keep the school open.

Mr O’Dowd, said: “In recent years, the school has suffered from declining enrolments, with only 175 children enrolled in 2011/12, and the quality of the education provision has resulted in the school being placed in formal intervention.

“I have therefore decided that it would be in the best interests of current and future pupils to close the school. In doing so, I have sought assurances from the South Eastern Education and Library Board that they will work closely with the Belfast Education and Library Board to ensure that post-primary provision in the controlled sector in the area is strategically planned to deliver a high quality experience for these pupils as they enrol in their new schools.

“I am sure that all those involved, including parents and school staff, will work hard to ensure a smooth transition for the children to their new schools and I wish them all the best in the future.”

David Mack, Parent Representative on the Board of Governors said the community is numb and parents, children and teachers and have been left wondering what the future holds.

He said: “There are still a considerable number of children without places for next year and many of them will have to repeat the year due to all this uncertainty.”

Local MLA Jonathan Craig said, “For years Dunmurry High was at the heart of the community in Seymour Hill and the wider Dunmurry area, and it is sad news that the school will finally close”.

“Since last year’s announcement, I have been working with the Board of Governors and parents to make sure the placement of pupils to other schools has been as smooth as possible for all concerned so that the education of the children who attended the school is not affected.”

“It is imperative that work now commences with the Community Workers and statutory agencies to make sure that there is a legacy long after the doors of Dunmurry High School close.

“This site can be used for the betterment of Seymour Hill and surrounding area and while this is a very sad day for so many who have invested so much in the school, by working together we can make sure that this site has a positive future which can deliver greatly for the Seymour Hill and wider Dunmurry community.”

Councillor Margaret Tolerton said she was “absolutely disappointed in the decision.”

“We really did think there was hope,” she added.

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