A situation had arisen due to the three feeder schools being consistently oversubscribed. As a result more pupils expect to transfer to Strandtown than the approved P4 admissions number.
Judith Cochrane MLA said: “I am very pleased that we have found a solution for pupils currently in Primary 3. Parents of these children should have received a letter saying that their child would be given a place in Strandtown in September. We now need to focus on securing a permanent solution for the years ahead.
“I would like to thank the Education Minister for approving this variation and hope that he will continue to take a keen interest in the school as we look to resolve this problem.
“The Infant-Junior model is unique in Northern Ireland and therefore needs an individual approach to ensure the continuation of this excellent educational provision in east Belfast.
“As a member of the Board of Governors at Strandtown, I know the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes to secure this solution and to reassure parents. I would like to pass on my gratitude to all who have been involved. I will continue to work to resolve this issue for future years as well as to ensure the necessary additional capital investment at Strandtown is made.”
ENDS