Queen Elizabeth II Primary School Kilskeery: Education Authority proposes closing school opened in monarch's coronation year of 1953

The Education Authority (EA) has launched a consultation on a proposal to close the Kilskeery school in August next year.

The authority argues that pupil numbers are too low and that other nearby schools have spare places, the BBC reported.

Queen Elizabeth II Primary School in Kilskeery was built in 1953 during the Queen's coronation year and is beside the local Parish Church.

"The whole community came together to celebrate major events during the Queen's reign, such as her 90th birthday and, most recently, her Platinum Jubilee in June 2022," said the EA proposal.

"Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, a cherry tree was planted in the school grounds in her memory and as part of her 'green canopy' project."

Local DUP Councillor Mark Buchanan said he has been contacted this week by "very concerned parents".

He told the News Letter: "They feel that this school is at the heart of the community and they don't want it to close.

"I suppose they feel it is quite strong although there is room for a few more numbers, it is a strong wee school and well established."

"A lot of people would definitely not support this closure, from the feeling I would be getting in the community."

The catchment area of the school would be around six to ten miles, he said.

Although the school has room for 61 pupils, it currently only has 42.

The Department of Education policy on sustainable schools states that primary schools should have at least 140 pupils in urban areas, and 105 in rural areas.The EA said the school was also likely to go into a financial deficit this year and its pupil numbers were unlikely to grow.

But Mr Buchannan added: "A lady contacted me who has a child who is being tested for special needs. The teacher was able to identify more with him maybe because of the smaller classes.

"She just felt he wouldn't get that in a bigger school."