The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) has submitted a proposal to the Education Authority (EA) to close St Columba's Primary School in the County Londonderry village of Newbuildings. The closure would take effect on 31 August 2027, affecting a school that has served the community since 1955. Ciaran Flanagan, a parent whose daughter Saoirse attends the school, has described the proposed closure as devastating for pupils, parents and the wider community.
According to the Derry Journal, CCMS's case-for-change document cites declining enrolment as the primary reason for the proposal. The school's pupil numbers have fallen from 64 in the 2015/16 academic year to 37 currently, a significant drop over the past decade. The CCMS proposal suggests that neighbouring schools could absorb transferring pupils within their existing capacity.
What does the proposal mean for families?
Flanagan, who is himself a former pupil of St Columba's and later trained as a teacher at the school, expressed deep concern about the impact on his daughter and other families.
From a personal standpoint, it is an important place for me and my daughter. It has allowed her to thrive, make friends and be part of a community that I don't think she would get at another school.
He highlighted the emotional toll the uncertainty is already having on pupils and their parents.
There is a lot of worry amongst parents, and it is also, first and foremost, a difficult thing to discuss with your child. It is a source of anxiety for a lot of them.
Flanagan explained that he has attempted to reassure his daughter while remaining committed to fighting the closure.
We've had a brief conversation with Saoirse about the closure of the school, in a sense to reassure her that nothing is happening imminently and that we are going to do everything that we can to keep it open because the school means a lot to her. She feels safe, nurtured and cared for there.
He expressed his determination to prevent the closure, saying
In all honesty, I can't countenance a scenario where the school closes, and I can't allow myself to think about that. We have a long road ahead and it will be a slog, but we have a lot of supporters as well.
What is the school's response?
Tina Lyons, the school's principal, emphasised the wellbeing and progress of the pupils currently in her care.
Our pupils are happy, supported and thriving in a school where every child is known and valued.She committed to maintaining educational standards throughout the consultation process, stating
Our staff will continue to give our pupils the excellent education, care and stability they deserve while this process continues.
Gareth McFadden, chair of the school's board of governors, rejected the closure proposal as premature.
We believe there is compelling evidence that closure would be premature and that there are realistic alternatives which deserve proper consideration.He stressed that the school represents far more than statistics.
This school is not simply a set of numbers on a page. It is children, families, education, opportunity and community, and we will continue to make that case.
According to the BBC's coverage, the board of governors has indicated it will now consider the next stage of the consultation process. The school will continue to operate normally until a final decision is reached.
What have community leaders said?
Bishop Donal McKeown acknowledged the school's long-standing contribution to the area.
St Columba's Primary School has made a valued contribution to its local community over many years. That is precisely why it is so important that everyone connected with the school and the wider community takes part in the consultation process and shares evidence that can help inform and shape the Minister's decision.
Foyle SDLP MP Colum Eastwood has expressed his opposition to the closure and pledged his support for efforts to keep the school open.
It would be a real shame to see the school close its doors after so many years of providing young people with an excellent education.He praised the dedication of staff at the school, noting
The staff go above and beyond and care deeply about the future of the school and its pupils.
Eastwood stated that he had been in contact with the Education Authority on behalf of the school, which he described as being at the heart of the local community. He called on the education minister to give serious consideration to community views.
I know there is a campaign underway to save St Columba's, and it has my full support.He urged the minister, who holds the final decision-making authority, to
listen to the views of parents, staff and the whole school community and keep St Columba's open.
What is the CCMS position?
The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools stated that it remains committed to supporting sustainable schools that deliver high-quality education. In a statement, CCMS said
CCMS remains committed to supporting sustainable schools that deliver high-quality teaching and learning, and to ensuring the best possible educational opportunities for children, young people and the wider local community.
According to the Derry Journal's reporting, the CCMS proposal indicates that the school could close with effect from 31 August 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. The organisation has confirmed that St Columba's will continue to operate as normal until a final decision is made by the Department of Education and the education minister.
What happens next?
The proposal now enters a formal consultation phase, with the Department of Education and the education minister holding the authority to make a final decision on whether the closure will proceed. The consultation process will allow parents, staff, governors and the wider community to submit evidence and views for consideration. No timeline has been announced for when the minister will reach a decision, though the proposed closure date of 31 August 2027 suggests the process will need to conclude well before then.
Key Facts:
- St Columba's Primary School in Newbuildings has operated since 1955 and currently has 37 pupils, down from 64 in 2015/16
- The CCMS proposal would close the school on 31 August 2027, pending ministerial approval
- The school's board of governors, principal, local MP and bishop have all opposed the closure proposal
- A campaign to save the school is underway with community support
- The final decision rests with the Department of Education and the education minister
