Politicians back campaign to retain Kilclief school

Politicians back campaign to retain Kilclief school

5 November 2025

LOCAL politicians have thrown their weight behind the campaign to save St Malachy’s Primary School in Kilclief from closure.

There is across-the-board political support for a proposal to keep the local school open and Killowen Primary School in the southern end of the constituency which is also facing a closure threat.

The proposal was tabled by Downpatrick councillor Aurla King at Monday night’s meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

Both closure proposals are subject to public consultation with the local authority concerned that the loss of two primary schools in rural areas will be “significantly detrimental” to children, their families and wider communities.

In relation to St Malachy’s, the council said it recognises the “deep roots and longstanding contribution of the school to community life” and acknowledged the strong opposition to closure from parents, staff, pupils and residents. 

Politicians want all efforts made to explore viable alternatives to closure, including the potential expansion of special educational needs (SEN) provision on the existing site, to serve families across the wider district.

It was agreed to write to the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) to express the council’s opposition to the proposed closure and formally request its withdrawal.

In addition, councillors have called for talks between CCMS and the Kilclief school’s Board of Governors to ensure children can continue to be educated on the site that best suits their needs and where generations of their family, friends and neighbours were previously taught. 

Cllr King said both schools were the heart of their communities. 

“For generations, they have given children a strong educational foundation, a sense of belonging, and a connection to place. Closing them would not only remove local provision but weaken the very fabric of community life,” she continued.

“In Kilclief, St Malachy’s has deep roots and strong parental support. The proposal to close it ignores the evidence of continued local need and parental confidence.”

Cllr King also argued the closure proposal conflicts with the principles set out in the Policy for Sustainable Schools, the Bain Report, and the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016, all of which stress that sustainability is about more than numbers.

“It’s about accessibility, quality, and community contribution,” she declared. “If the Department of Education and CCMS are serious about rural proofing, then they must consider the impact on small communities like Kilclief and Killowen, not simply apply a one-size-fits-all policy.

“Instead of closure, we should be looking at alternative options — particularly the potential to expand Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision at St Malachy’s. That 

would meet growing regional demand, protect local employment, and strengthen education for all children.”

Cllr King said her motion was not just about two rural schools — it was about “fairness for rural families, balanced development across our district, and ensuring that every child has access to quality education close to home.”

Rowallane councillor, David Lee-Surginor, said the two rural schools are “at the heart of their communities” providing vital educational 

and social foundations for local children. 

He said CCMS must do everything possible to keep St Malachy’s open, including exploring options such as expanding SE provision to help secure its long-term future.

“It’s essential we work together across parties and sectors to safeguard the sustainability of our rural schools and the communities they serve,” added Cllr Lee-Surginor.

Mournes councillor, Glyn Hanna, said the council’s DUP members believed it’s essential the views of parents, pupils and staff, many of whom have generational links with the school, are afforded the time, space and respect to make known their views and concerns.

“The review of maintained primary school provision in the Strangford and Kilclief areas is ultimately a matter for the CCMS and it is they who will bring any final proposal on school provision in the area to the Education Minister for decision,” he said.

“Therefore, it’s crucial that stakeholders and the local community have their say now. We understand that a pre-publication consultation with parents, staff and governors of St Malachy’s will take place this year.”

Cllr Hanna said establishing specialist provision in mainstream schools is part of the district’s strategic plan and the DUP supports the motion for proactive engagement by the Education Authority to explore whether the conditions could exist to provide a SEN unit at St Malachy’s Primary, accessible to children in the local area.

Cllr Hanna added: “The Education Minister has brought forward an ambitious SEN capital investment programme and would be more than willing to engage with any school to hear their ideas and proposals for addressing present challenges in meeting demand for flexible and agile specialist provision.”