Education Minister John O’Dowd announced today (Thursday) that all pupils currently in P3 at Greenwood, Belmont and Dundela feeder schools in East Belfast would be guaranteed a place at Strandtown Primary School from this year onwards.
Previous years had seen a problem with consistent oversubscription to the infant schools, meaning the combined P1 admissions number was greater than the permitted P4 admissions number at Strandtown. As a result, some pupils who had started their education in Belmont, Dundela or Greenwood were at risk of not receiving a place at Strandtown.
“I first raised this matter with the Belfast Education and Library Board in 2012 and have continued to advocate for a permanent solution,” said Mrs Cochrane.
“I want to thank the Education Minister for approving this development proposal and finally removing the worry for parents. This was the common sense solution and I am delighted the hard work and perseverance has paid off.
“The infant-junior model is unique in Northern Ireland. This decision will ensure the continuation of this excellent educational provision in East Belfast.”