Alliance MLA voices concerns over merger

Alliance MLA voices concerns over merger

4 July 2018

PLANS to overhaul Catholic secondary education in Downpatrick topped the agenda during a recent meeting between Alliance politicians and representatives from the St Patrick’s Grammar School Parents and Friends Association.

Alliance education spokesman Chris Lyttle MLA and Rowallane councillor Patrick Brown met with the group to discuss controversial plans to merge St Patrick’s with De La Salle High School, St Mary’s High and Portaferry’s St Columba’s College to form an all-ability co-educational college for 1,600 pupils. The proposal would end single sex education in Downpatrick.

Mr Lyttle said he welcomed the opportunity to meet with St Patrick’s Parents and Friends Association which raised legitimate concerns around the size of the proposed new school, its delivery and transition and transport issues. 

He also confirmed the Alliance politicians are seeking a meeting with Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) and the Education Authority to discuss the proposed merger. 

Mr Lyttle said that while his party did not support academic selection and had been “very clear on the need for more integrated schools”, it was made clear during the meeting that this particular issue was not about differing ideas about education policy, “but very legitimate concerns about the way in which this proposed merger has been handled thus far and the very significant practical problems it may create”.

He continued: “There has been a lack of transparency from the CCMS during the consultation process and a failure to 

consider fully other options. 

“I do not see how the current St Patrick’s Grammar School site can possibly accommodate almost 1,600 or more pupils and whilst a new site may be a long-term aspiration, it’s hard to see exactly where in the local area could accommodate such a huge school.”

Mr Lyttle added: “Whilst schools can manage large numbers of students perfectly well and there are conflicting reports on the impact of class sizes on results, it is perfectly fair to argue that the amalgamation, in its proposed form, will cause considerate disruption for many years, perhaps affecting even an entire generation of students.”

Cllr Brown described the current plan to transport teachers and students between the St Mary’s site and St Patrick’s Grammar School as “troubling”, suggesting it would be “highly disruptive” to students, as is the probable increase in traffic in an already congested part of Downpatrick. 

He added: “These are all serious issues which deserve in-depth consideration by the relevant authorities. In many cases, a significant change in direction will be required to adequately address them and ensure the best possible educational outcomes for the next generation of school children in the Downpatrick area. 

“Chris and I will secure a meeting with CCMS and the Education Authority at the earliest opportunity to put these concerns to them and push for transparent answers and adequate solutions.”

Mr Cormac Artt, chairman of the St Patrick’s Association, said he welcomed the opportunity to meet with Alliance representatives.

“They listened with consideration to our serious concerns about this proposal and the impact it will have on equality and choice for all children in this area.”

He continued: “While the politicians stated their party policy against academic selection and support of the integrated model, the Parents and Friends Association reiterated that the size of the proposed school, its budget, infrastructure and logistics, were our primary concerns for this poorly thought out proposal.

“We really appreciate that the politicians will raise these concerns with the CCMS and other statutory authorities about the proposed school size, pupil well-being, equality, transport, site suitability and capital budgets.”

Mr Artt added: “It was refreshing to speak with elected representatives who were prepared to look beyond party policy at a proposal that will impact the whole community for generations to come.”