Funding boost for new Knockevin school base

Funding boost for new Knockevin school base

17 September 2025

FUNDING has been made available for Knockevin Special School’s new multi-million pound campus in in Downpatrick.

Stormont Education Minister Paul Givan confirmed yesterday that £430m is being made available to fund the new-build as part of a major investment in special education needs provision across the province.

The Recorder understands that Knockevin’s new school could be built on a greenfield site opposite the Downe Hospital at the Struell Wells Road on land currently owned by the Department of Health.

While Down High School’s former base at Mount Crescent is available, it is understood it has been ruled out.

Knockevin currently operates across three sites at Racecourse Hill in Downpatrick, the former Castlewellan High School site and a dedicated Early Years Centre in Dundrum.

Knockevin and Sperrinview special school in Dungannon are in line for new builds as part of the funding package which will also finance the construction of two special school campuses in Belfast and extension and refurbishment programmes at other special schools across the province.

Addressing the Assembly yesterday Mr Givan — who visited Knockevin in April last year and confirmed planning for the new school would commence — revealed proposals for a £1.7bn investment in special education needs infrastructure to support vulnerable learners.

“We are at a critical juncture. Our special schools are full, our facilities are outdated and the demand for specialist provision is growing year on year,” he said.

“Without decisive action, we risk failing the children who need our support most. The proposed SEN capital investment programme would see £1.7bn ring-fenced over the next decade, separate from the main education capital budget.”

Mr Givan said the funding will support new builds and campuses for special schools, the expansion of specialist provision in mainstream schools, over 6,000 additional special school places and 5,000 specialist class places.

“We must invest in facilities that empower our children, support our teachers and uphold our commitment to inclusion and equity,” he said.

Mr Givan added: “The Education Authority has published detailed plans for all 40 special schools, outlining short, medium and long-term capital works. These plans form the blueprint for transformation, but require Executive endorsement and funding to proceed.”

The Department of Finance’s Land and Property Services were commissioned to carry out an initial site search in Downpatrick and the surrounding area for a new site for Knockevin.

The first stage of a procurement process to appoint a consultancy team to take forward the design of the new school has been completed, but before the tender can be issued, the proposals for the school need confirmed, including the identification of a suitable site.

South Down MLA Colin McGrath, who has been lobbying for Knockevin’s new build, has welcomed confirmation that significant investment will be provided to deliver a new build for Knockevin Special School.

He said the formal announcement was the result of years of dedicated campaigning by local families, staff and community representatives who have consistently highlighted the urgent need for improved facilities.

“This is a hugely positive step forward for Knockevin and for the many families who have fought tirelessly to ensure their children receive the best possible education. It is their determination over many years that has blazed the trail to get us to this point,” he said.

“I want to thank the Education Minister for listening to the concerns raised locally. When I invited him to visit one of Knockevin’s three separate sites last year, he saw first-hand the inadequate conditions pupils and staff were working in.”

Mr McGrath said the visit kept the new-build issue firmly on the agenda and he’s pleased there is now real progress.

He added: “This new investment will make a transformative difference, providing pupils with a modern, purpose-built school that matches the quality of teaching and care they already receive from the dedicated staff.

“We now need to see the Department of Health working alongside the Education Authority to ensure that the new Knockevin build has the full complement of allied health professionals on-site. This is essential if children are to get the holistic support they deserve.”