The creation of a new Catholic post primary school in Lisnaskea will not take place until September 2017.

St. Eugene’s College, Rosslea will remain open for one more year “to help facilitate the transition” of pupils and teachers to a newly formed school at the current site of St. Comhghall’s College, Lisnaskea.

Three months ago, the former Education Minister approved a development proposal from the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) which outlined three actions: to close St. Eugene’s College; to close St. Comhghall’s College; and to establish a new 11-19 post primary school in Lisnaskea. 
The new amalgamated school will require a new name. The CCMS said it would come into effect from September 1, 2016 or as soon as possible thereafter. 

The Impartial Reporter has learned that the new school will not be formed until September 1, 2017. At that point, St. Eugene’s will be 48 years old and St. Comhghall’s will be 46 years old.

Year 11 and 12 pupils who have been attending St. Eugene’s will start at St. Comhghall’s this September in preparation for their GCSEs. It is not clear if St. Eugene’s will take any new year eight pupils this September.
Confirming the new date of amalgamation, Dr. Martin Knox, Principal of St. Eugene’s College said: “The date was chosen to help facilitate the transition between the two schools. A number of pupils from St. Eugene’s for example will start their Key Stage four provision in St. Comghgall’s next year leading them up to GCSE level.”

He added: “It is our intention to have a number of staff development days for our staff next year; teachers from St. Eugene’s will also teach some of the curriculum in St. Comhghall’s  and the Interim Board of Governors has already met on a number of occasions.
“The date has given us an opportunity to prepare well for the amalgamation.”