Education Minister Paul Givan announces three post-primary school projects to advance to design and planning stage

The three major work projects were previously announced back in 2022 but had to be paused due to budget constraints.

However, the three schools set to benefit from the announcement are Belfast High School, Newtownabbey, Ballyclare High School, Ballyclare; and St Brigid’s College, Londonderry.

Speaking about the development, Mr Givan said: “I am pleased to be delivering the good news here at Ballyclare High School that three major works projects will now advance in planning. The capital investment across the three schools when the projects are delivered will be over £200m.

“These schools have been in need of significant capital investment for a number of years. Their buildings are in extremely poor condition and have seen little or no investment. We are now a step closer to the development of modern school facilities that are fit for purpose and that will better support the learning and development needs of young people in these three schools for generations to come."

Making the announcement at Ballyclare High School, the Minister added: “Whilst this is welcome progress, I recognise that there are many other schools in need of significant investment. The education system is facing a capital funding crisis that must be addressed.

"I will continue to manage capital expenditure very carefully and prioritise those most in need. Decades of underfunding has left much of our schools’ estate in very poor condition.

“I will of course continue to make the case for increased and sustained capital investment across our schools’ estate.”