‘The numbers far exceeds anything I have dealt with before’: Calls for more Year 8 places at Bessbrook school

The Sinn Féin MLA says that her party’s phone lines have been jammed with concerned parents whose children have been unable to obtain a place at the school

Ms Kimmins explained: "Primary 7 children have recently received notification of which post-primary school they will go to in September, and our offices have been inundated with calls from parents of children who are deeply upset to learn they have not secured a place in St Paul’s, Bessbrook, despite meeting the admissions criteria.

“I have written to the Education Minister Paul Givan and to the Chief Executive of the Education Authority Richard Pengelly to stress the seriousness of the situation and the impact this will have on the dozens of children affected.

“The Department will have had advanced knowledge of the numbers of children due to transition from primary 7 to post primary, with a high proportion of thise coming from feeder schools selecting St Paul's as their first preference, therefore it is incumbent upon them to work to accommodate those children.”

Ms Kimmins says she has many years’ experience of dealing with children who do not obtain a place at the school of their choice, “but this year the numbers far exceeds anything I have dealt with before”.

She added: “I have urged the Minister to take steps to address this issue and provide the school with the additional places required.

"We are extremely lucky to have so many fantastic schools in our locality, and our children's future should not be decided by a lottery due to insufficient places. This is a critical time in a child's life, and moving to a new school can be extremely daunting without this added stress.

“My colleagues and I will continue to work with the school, families and thd Department for Education to try and resolve this matter in the best interests of all children as quickly as possible.”

The Newry Reporter has contacted the Department of Education and the Education Authority have been contacted for comment.