Parents fight decision to close Fermanagh school

by Gráinne Connolly

The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools have planned to close St. Mary's High School in Brollagh, Co. Fermanagh. They reviewed the school and the main factor that caused any issues was the number of children that attended the school. 

This was a problem when calculating the school's budget for the year.

The number of pupils has declined, therefore, the school's deficit has grown leaving them in a position where it can't be recovered and the damage is done. 

This proposal has not went down smoothly with the pupils parents, who are determined to fight and save the school. They say they will go to the ends of the earth for the school that has provided years of excellent education in West Fermanagh (since 1965). 

The institution that caters for pupils from Belleek, Garrision, Derrygonnelly and Belcoo, was rated 10th out of 60 non selected schools in Northern Ireland for GCSEs.

However, high rates were still not enough for the CCMS as all parents were issued a letter stating that the school will be closing, with effect from August 31, 2018.