I wish to advise the Deputy that the schools in question approached the Department in 2013 with an amalgamation proposal that entailed a level of funding commensurate with a major capital extension project. In view of the need to prioritise the available capital funding to meet both existing and emerging demographic need, it was not possible to provide funding for the purpose sought. The school authorities were advised of this position.
Given the financial constraints of my Department, the school authorities were requested to prioritise the essential works that would be required to facilitate the proposed amalgamation and to submit these proposals with associated costs to my Department for consideration. These details are awaited. My Department has recently written to the schools' Patron relating to the general proposal and the matter can be considered further when a response to this correspondence is received.