Two rural communities have suffered what’s been described as “a shattering blow” after the Education Minister confirmed the closure of their local primary schools at the end of the current academic year.
Balnamore Primary in Ballymoney and Lack Primary in Co Fermanagh had been two of four schools granted an extra year this time last year, but the axe has now fallen on both, with the doors to shut for good at the end of June.
Queen Elizabeth II PS in Co Tyrone has since been saved from closure, while Ballougry PS near Londonderry remains under threat.
Announcing that Balnamore Primary will shut at the end of the academic year, the minister said the decision was taken after the school had “suffered a catastrophic decline in the number of children and young people attending”.
There are currently 12 pupils enrolled, well below the Department of Education minimum threshold of 105 pupils for a sustainable rural primary school.
“There are considerable available places in good alternative controlled schools in the area,” Minister Paul Givan said.
“The decision to close the school will be in the best educational interest for the remaining pupils.”
But parents of pupils said they were “dumbfounded” at the decision, having fought a long campaign to safeguard the future of their village school.
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Balnamore Primary Support Group said in a statement: “Many of us, as parents, have spent the past days comforting our young children, wiping their tears, and struggling to explain why their school, their safe place, will soon be gone.
“The school is more than just a building. It is the heart of our community, and we will do everything in our power to keep it beating.”
North Antrim MP Jim Allister said the closure of Balnamore was “a wrong-headed decision” by the DUP minister.
“It was clear that the circumstances which produced the pupil reduction in this previously thriving school was going to take longer than one year to reverse,” he said.
“By only allowing one year for recovery, the minister assured a negative outcome.
“The infrastructure and facilities at Balnamore school are among the best in the area, but now will be lost, along with the opportunity for the school to recover to viability.”
Lack Primary School principal Sandra Johnston said she was devastated to learn that her school would be closing.
“Our priority now is the welfare of the children, parents, staff and the entire school community,” she said.
Figures from 2022/23 show the school had a total enrolment of 22 pupils.
The Board of Governors at Lack PS have said they are “disappointed” and “disheartened” by the news.
Rosemary Barton, chair of the Board of Governors, and board member Canon Alan Irwin said in a joint statement: “The Board of Governors, teachers, staff, parents, children and the wider community of Lack are naturally are disappointed and disheartened by the confirmation, after much speculation, that Lack Primary School will close on the August 31, 2025.
“Rural schools such as Lack are the heart and soul of many rural communities. Efforts of all concerned failed to bear fruit in seeking to keep the school open.
“There is an acute awareness that the present Northern Ireland education budget falls short of the many demands made upon it from numerous strands within the educational system, particularly those sectors receiving preference.
“As a result there are casualties of which the small, rural schools, the heart and soul of many rural communities, find themselves at the unforgiving end of such cuts. While the wellbeing of teachers, staff and pupils is the number one priority at present, it is hoped that the transition from a functioning school to a closed school will be carried out with sensitivity and grace.”
DUP MLA Deborah Erskine said she was “disappointed” to hear the news and commended the school’s principal on her work in the school community.
“On finding out this news, I got in touch with the principal, Sandra Johnston, who has fought tooth and nail for the school community in Lack,” she said.
“It’s a very difficult day for the staff, parents, pupils and the community.”
Ulster Unionist MLA Diana Armstrong described news of the closure as “a shattering blow for the community of Lack and the dedicated teaching team at Lack Primary School, who have consistently provided an exemplary education and extracurricular programme for the pupils”.
She added: “Their commitment and hard work had created a happy and settled school community, which will now face considerable uncertainty and upheaval in the coming months.
“It’s imperative that the welfare and education of the children affected remain a top priority for the Education Authority, to ensure a smooth transition for all involved.”