New lease of life for former rural school

THE Education Minister has revealed that the former Straidhavern Primary School building will be used as an Education Otherwise Than At School facility.

The news came after a question from South Antrim DUP MLA Trevor Clarke.

He asked his party colleague Paul Givan for clarity about the site, which closed at the end of the 2024/25 academic year.

Mr Givan responded: “The Education Authority is currently progressing considerations to use the former Straidhavern Primary School site for another educational use; by the relocation of EOTAS Services from Ballycraigy Primary School.

“This is necessary as space is required in Ballycraigy to accommodate the placement of pupils with Special Education Needs.”

It is anticipated that the site will be operational during the 2026/27 academic year.

EOTAS provides for children with social, emotional behavioural, medical or other issues, who cannot access suitable education, including those who have been expelled, suspended, or have disengaged from their registered school, until they achieve a new school place, are prepared for re-entry to an existing school place, or until compulsory school leaving age.

Straidhavern was earmarked for closure after the closure of RAF Aldergrove caused pupil numbers to plummet.