I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 to 80, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy may be aware, I met with representatives of the parents' associations from schools in the area referred to. The deputation put forward the view that the new post-primary school being established in 2014 in the area should be configured, along with the existing post-primary school into a junior school / senior school model rather than as two separate fully vertical schools.
I fully considered all aspects of this matter and I am of the view that the schools can operate successfully as two vertical schools. I consider this to be the optimum configuration for the two schools and indeed the best provision that can be made for the pupils in the area.
The patron of the two post-primary schools in question has developed a specific management structure for the new educational campus that will be constituted. In this regard, it is proposed that a single Governing Authority be established in order to guarantee to Parents/Guardians and Students a fair and equitable enrolment policy for both schools and to ensure that the overall management of the campus would be as cohesive and effective as possible. The Governing Authority will be representative of the stakeholders from both schools together with members of the patron body and will be under an independent Chairperson. This authority would be established under the provisions of the Education and Training Board Act 2013. Apart from the management of campus facilities, one of the key core functions of the Governing authority will be to develop and co-ordinate the overarching enrolment policy for both schools, following appropriate consultation with the respective Boards of Management of both schools and ensure that the policy is in keeping with the Education and Training Board policy and Department guidelines. This function does not supersede the powers conferred under the Education Act 1998 to the Boards of Managements of the individual schools.In addition to the establishment of the single Governing Authority, the Patron will establish a Board of Management for each school. The functions of the Schools and the Boards of Management are those described under the Education Act 1998.The pooling of resources of the two schools would mean the provision of the widest possible range of subjects for the pupils in both schools. This will be particularly important during the initial years of the establishment of the new post-primary school and during the downsizing of the existing school. By pooling the pupils from both schools, it will also be possible to offer a subject in one school where the demand from both schools would bring the class size to a viable number. It is envisaged that both schools will each cater for up to 1,000 pupils ultimately.The existing post-primary school in the area referred to is very highly regarded locally. It is the intention of the patron that the new post-primary school would replicate and achieve the high standards and success attained in the existing school. The synergies generated by the new campus environment should be a significant benefit to both schools towards building on the success of the existing school and should assist them both in attaining high standards. The management and governance structures for the Education Campus that have been developed by the patron body as outlined, seek to ensure that the necessary appropriate relationships and close co-operation will exist between the two schools at all levels, from the Principals and the Boards of Management through to the pupils and the staff. With regard to diversity of choice for parents when establishing new schools, my decision on patronage of the new school in question was influenced chiefly by parental preferences. The new school will cater for pupils of all faiths, backgrounds and belief systems and will be open to pupils of all primary schools in the area.My Department is liaising with the patron in relation to start-up accommodation for the school.