New Lisnaskea College plan might work if it was integrated

2.24.00pm GMT Sun 25th Nov 2007

Alliance Education Spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA

Alliance Education Spokesperson Trevor Lunn said that plans for one college for 4- 14 year olds being created in Lisnaskea, would offer a positive option were the 11+ to be scrapped, if the plan included Catholic schools.

The Lagan Valley MLA stated: "The age 4 to 14 college in Lisnaskea itself would seem a very sensible option if it were implemented on a fully-integrated basis. It might deliver a good solution to the question of how to proceed if and when the 11+ is scrapped.

"Unfortunately the Fermanagh plan will not deliver more integrated education, because Catholic schools are not included in it.

"It is time for a more visionary, more ambitious plan for our schools. Currently over £1 billion is wasted every year on segregation. A large proportion of this wasted cash comes in the education sector, and a more integrated approach to schools would tackle this problem."

ENDS