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Six more classrooms planned at Craigavon Senior High after Lurgan campus decision

The move follows controversy over plans to closure the Lurgan campus of Craigavon Senior High School in favour of operating from a single school site at Portadown

Craigavon Senior High School Portadown Campus

Plans are in the pipeline to provide six new classrooms at Craigavon Senior High School’s Portadown campus.

Proposals have been drawn up and lodged on behalf of the Education Authority.

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is being asked to give the go-ahead to construct two new modular classroom units. Each would boast three classrooms, as well as stores and toilet facilities.

According to the application, the plans, if approved, would see an additional 10 staff on site daily.

The site at Lurgan Road would see additional floorspace to school facilities of over 5,000 sq ft.

The move follows controversy over plans to closure the Lurgan campus of Craigavon Senior High School in favour of operating from a single school site at Portadown.

Parents were informed in a letter just before Christmas 2022 that a development proposal by the Education Authority had been accepted.

Principal Ruth Harkness said at the time: “This decision will allow Craigavon Senior High School to continue the journey of continuous success and development by taking the next steps towards a much-needed Sixth Form provision.

“As a school we will now work with all key stakeholders to make the transfer onto a single site as smooth and seamless for everyone involved.”

In the absence of a functioning Northern Ireland Executive, the Department of Education’s Permanent Secretary Dr Mark Browne made the announcement.

A legal challenge was made but the High Court ruled that it was within the gift of the senior civil servant to make such a decision with no Minister in situ.

The application for the additional accommodation at Portadown will now be advertised shortly.

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