“Shared education will be a daily experience” when the Brookeborough Shared Education Campus becomes a reality.

A pioneering proposal from Brookeborough Primary School and St. Mary’s Primary School for a Shared Education Campus in the village was officially given the green light this week.

A first for Fermanagh, the plans have previously been described by political leaders as “inspirational” and the principals have been called “trailblazers”.

A joint statement from Secretary of State Teresa Villiers, First Minister Arlene Foster, deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Education Minister John O’Dowd revealed that Brookeborough will be one of two shared education partnerships in Northern Ireland selected by the Department of Education. 

First Minister Arlene Foster said she particularly looks forward to visiting the new shared campus in Brookeborough. She stated: “I know that everyone involved in that project has waited a long time to hear this fantastic news today. I wish all of the schools set to benefit from this good news well as they move forward with their plans.”

Principal of Brookeborough Primary School Hazel Gardiner stated: 
“The excellent relationship between the schools goes back to the 1970s, with activities continuing though incredibly challenging times. Over many years both schools have reached out the hand of friendship, working together in the interests of our pupils and the broader community. In more recent years thanks to the Fermanagh Trust we have been able to partake in a wider range of activities, developing even closer bonds and today we stand on the threshold of a Shared Campus for our children and the community.
“It is really exciting news for Brookeborough that we will be able to cement the already established relationship between our two schools.
“By working together in the new campus, schools will be able to greatly enhance provision and shared education will be a daily experience. Pupils from both schools will benefit from new shared facilities, allowing them to make the most of their talents and all abilities. Staff will also benefit from mutually supportive networks. Facilities would offer wider community involvement with leisure and sports facilities and multi-purpose halls.”

Dermot Finlay, Principal of St Mary’s added: “Our pioneering work together has resulted in outstanding educational and societal outcomes. The excellent news that our Shared Campus is going ahead is a huge step in our journey together and allows us to build on that good work. It is a bottom-up local solution, supported by the community, which meets local needs and will retain rural school provision for generations. Our schools enjoy working together and we are all very excited about our future plans.” 

Lauri McCusker, Director of the Fermanagh Trust, which has helped facilitate shared education in County Fermanagh, congratulated the two primary schools. “They have to be commended for the work they’ve been involved in and for getting to this stage,” he said. “The sharing they have done beyond the curricular requirements is very impressive and it is clear to see the benefits that come from working collaboratively. The principle is to take things incrementally, to start with what people want rather than trying to force it.  It’s a great step forward for the Brookeborough community and we wish the schools well for their work ahead.”

The location of the shared campus will be finalised at a later date.
Enniskillen Integrated Primary School will also receive a funding boost.