The controversial merger of three schools in Co Down will go ahead, it's been confirmed.
St Mary's High School, De La Salle High School and St Patrick's Grammar, all located in the Downpatrick town, will become one – a new "co-educational 11-19 voluntary grammar school". It is believed to be opening next year.
The new school will utilise the three school buildings "pending capital investment for a one-site solution" and will have an admission number of 250 pupils. Up to 40% pupils will be admitted through academic selection.
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Bother Pat Collier, Trustee from De La Salle Congregation said: "This proposal will strengthen and future-proof quality education provision for pupils at post-primary level in the Downpatrick area. The creation of a new, sustainable 11-19 co-educational voluntary grammar school, will provide high quality education, a broad curricular offer and a range of learning experiences for all pupils."
St Patrick's Grammar School principal Joe McCann sent a text to parents on Friday afternoon informing them of the news.
It read: "Unfortunately we received a phone call today from our Trustees to inform us that the DP to amalgamate SPGS with DLSH and SMHS, Downpatrick, has been approved.
"We have no further information at this time but we wanted parents and pupils to have this information before any publicity."
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