St. Mary's High School in Brollagh under threat of closure again

by Gráinne Connolly

St. Mary's High School in Brollagh, Co. Fermanagh is facing closure for the third time in 11 years. 

The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) confirmed it is proceeding with a proposal to shut the school from 31st August 2020, or as soon as possible thereafter. 

A spokesman for CCMS stated: "The first step in this process, a series of consultation events, has taken place with the governors, staff, parents and pupils of the school.

"The proposal by CCMS will now be subject to a statutory public consultation before a decision by the Department of Education."

CCMS Chief Executive, Gerry Campbell, said: "CCMS is of the view that this period of uncertainty needs to come to an end for all involved.

"CCMS is committed to ensuring pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum and it is challenging for St. Mary’s High School to deliver this, given its low enrolment and growing financial deficit."

"We are aware the community is currenty investigating the potential for transformation of the school to integrated status.

"The proposal to close the school does not interfere with the rights of the stakeholders to investigate the potential for integrated education on the site.

"As this option is progressed, CCMS will assist where appropriate, to ensure they have all necessary information to develop the proposal."

The school's Parents Council alongside staff, is currently trying to establish an integrated school on the site.

Meanwhile, pupil numbers are considerably lower than necessary to be considered sustainable, however, accessibility is a major issue for children.

If St. Mary's closes, pupils will have to travel to Enniskillen, which will be a round trip of almost two hours.

That's even though the closest school is in Donegal, less than two miles away. 

Councillor John Feely, who's from Belleek has slammed CCMS's proposal: 

“This is the fourth attempt by the CCMS to try and close St Mary's High School, Brollagh.

“Since 2008, and every few years since, the CCMS have tried the same tactic. On the previous three attempts they have been thwarted by the local community.

“Once again, I would ask the whole community to stand united against this attack on us. 

“A formal consultation has to take place before a final decision is made. By working together we can succeed in having this decision reversed.

“It is my belief that if the CCMS had supported Brollagh back in 2008, instead of undermining the school it would have gone from strength to strength over the past eleven years. 

“It must also be remembered that the school is one of the best performing non-grammars in the whole of the North. This decision and the actions of the CCMS over the years have been disgraceful."

Despite the news, the Parents Council is still going ahead and working towards becoming an integrated school.