The Ulster Unionist Party’s North Down MLA, Alan Chambers, has called on the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Education to produce a common sense solution to the ongoing school admissions’ crisis in the area.  

Alan Chambers MLA said:

“Today in Bangor, along with the Ulster Unionist Party’s Education spokesperson, Rosemary Barton MLA, I met with officials from the Department of Education and a senior official from the Education Authority with responsibility for forward planning, to discuss post-primary admissions in Bangor and North Down.

“There were originally 313 children without a place, which is a huge increase on the 188 from last year. There are currently 271 unplaced throughout Northern Ireland and 63 of them – almost a quarter - are in North Down.  

“Officials assured us that there is a development plan in place for a review of education provision in North Down and Ards, but this is of little help in solving the current problem.  

“Officials committed to giving us a decision within 7 working days, with regard to them assessing a third attempt made by Bangor Academy, to secure a temporary variation to increase entrance numbers by around 40 places.  

“This is the obvious solution and one which has universal political support. Indeed, given that temporary variations were secured for two other schools in North Down – one a catholic maintained and the other an integrated school – it is puzzling that the same facility has not already been extended to Bangor Academy.

“The Ulster Unionist Party fully supports the parents affected in their efforts to secure a common sense outcome, and urges the Education Department – and in particular the Permanent Secretary - to facilitate a temporary solution so that Bangor pupils can attend Bangor Academy.

“In the words of a local post-primary headmaster speaking at a recent public meeting – ‘exceptional circumstances require exceptional solutions.’ I am calling on the Permanent Secretary to deliver just such a solution.”