To ask the Minister of Education to detail any discussions he has had with the Education Authority regarding the future use of the Balnamore Primary School site, following closure of the school in August 2025.

The Education Authority (EA), in undertaking engagement with stakeholders following the approval to discontinue Balnamore PS, received verbal requests to consider repurposing of the school building and to retain an EA presence in the area. This is in keeping with my request when approving Development Proposal 729 for the discontinuance of Balnamore PS with effect from 31 August 2025.

The EA has engaged with Sandelford School on the potential use of the former Balnamore PS building for SEN provision and the current plan is for Sandelford School to occupy the site from September 2026. The repurposing of the building will not only meet SEN need but make effective use of the Education Authority estate as the managing authority of controlled schools.

The repurposing of the school building represents a positive future for the building and the surrounding area.