Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
Background
At the closing date, Tuesday 26 February 2008, for the pre-consultation document on the future of: Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in
Co Fermanagh the Western Education and Library Board received 1814 responses, 17 letters of interest and one petition.
Upon receipt each response was identified by a reference number and entered onto computer format. The number of responses received, especially on 25 and 26 February 2008 and the information contained within the questionnaires resulted in a delay in transcribing the information onto computer format. The transcription of information was completed on Friday
18 April 2008 after which time the analysis of the information was undertaken.
At the Controlled Schools Working Group meeting on 6 March 2008 it was agreed that analysis would be undertaken on the base data only. The analysis of the responses was completed on Tuesday 6 May 2008.
The analysed information is contained in this report in two sections. Section
One is the analysis of the quantitative data and Section Two is the analysis of the qualitative data.
The ‘Key Principles’ extracted from the Pre-consultation document on the future of: Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh are listed for information.
 A high quality pupil-centred educational experience for all, building on existing strengths.
 Equality of access and parity of esteem for all educational routes and the provision of developmentally appropriate learning and teaching experiences.
 High quality leadership and management which ensures a culture that promotes excellence.


Collaborative working which promotes sharing knowledge and understanding for the benefit of all, celebrates success and accepts responsibility for outcomes, thus promoting the holistic development of all pupils.
Consideration of the key principles underpinning a Shared Future 1 which will, where possible, encourage trust and good relations between all communities and ethnic backgrounds.
- 1 -

Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
Section One: Quantitative Analysis
Following the completion of response information onto computer format, the quantitative data was processed through SPSS.
The Corporate Development Officer undertook an in-depth analysis on the data to produce statistics and trends on the responses received.
Presentation: Quantitative Analysis
The overall analysis identifies the number of responses received and the preferences of respondents.
The preferences of respondents refers to the information provided on page 15 of the questionnaire ‘To what extent do you feel the OPTION (A, B, C, D, E) is the most suitable option’ - Strongly Agree, Agree, Uncertain, Disagree,
Strongly Disagree.
- 2 -

Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
Statistics
N Valid
Missing
Option A
Status Quo
1769
45
Option B 4-14,
11-14/14-19
(non-selective)
1741
73
Option C
11-14/14-19
(non-selective)
1667
147
Option D
11-19 (Two
College
Model)
1647
167
Option E
11-19
(Co-location on Single
Campus)
1630
184
Option A Status Quo
Strongly Agree
Agree
Uncertain
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Total
Missing
Total
Frequency Percent
1589 87.6
36
19
2.0
1.0
39
86
1769
45
1814
2.1
4.7
97.5
2.5
100.0
Valid Percent
89.8
2.0
1.1
2.2
4.9
100.0
Cumulative
Percent
89.8
91.9
92.9
95.1
100.0
Option B 4-14, 11-14/14-19 (non-se lective)
St rongly A gree
Agree
Uncert ain
Dis agree
St rongly Disagree
Total
Missing
Total
Frequency Percent Valid P ercent
8 .4
.5
5
8
.3
.4
.3
.5
40
1680
1741
73
1814
2.2
92.6
96.0
4.0
100.0
2.3
96.5
100.0
Cumulative
Percent
.5
.7
1.2
3.5
100.0
- 3 -

Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
Option C 11-14/14-19 (non-sel ective)
St rongly A gree
Agree
Uncert ain
Dis agree
St rongly Disagree
Total
Missing
Total
Frequency Percent Valid P ercent
22 1.2
1.3
23 1.3
1.4
38
47
1537
1667
147
1814
2.1
2.6
84.7
91.9
8.1
100.0
2.3
2.8
92.2
100.0
Cumulative
Percent
1.3
2.7
5.0
7.8
100.0
Option D 11-19 (Tw o Colle ge Model)
St rongly A gree
Agree
Uncert ain
Dis agree
St rongly Disagree
Total
Missing
Total
Frequency Percent Valid P ercent
54 3.0
3.3
44 2.4
2.7
37
32
1480
1647
167
1814
2.0
1.8
81.6
90.8
9.2
100.0
2.2
1.9
89.9
100.0
Cumulative
Percent
3.3
6.0
8.2
10.1
100.0
Option E 11-19 (Co-location on Si ngle Ca mpus)
St rongly A gree
Agree
Uncert ain
Dis agree
St rongly Disagree
Total
Missing
Total
Frequency Percent Valid P ercent
12 .7
.7
13 .7
.8
29
32
1544
1630
184
1814
1.6
1.8
85.1
89.9
10.1
100.0
1.8
2.0
94.7
100.0
Cumulative
Percent
.7
1.5
3.3
5.3
100.0
- 4 -

Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
% Strongly Agree/Agree
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
91.9
0.7
2.7
6
1.5
Option A Status
Quo
Option B 4-
14,11-14/14-19
Option C 11-
14/14-19 (nonselective)
Model
Option D 11-19
(Two College
Model)
Option E 11-19
(Co-location on
Single Campus)
Analysis Trend
In analysing the data a major trend was identified - that of the overwhelming support for Option A, Status Quo. Of the 1814 responses received, 1625 responses identified Agree or Strongly Agree with Option A. With the large number of responses supporting Option A, this data skewed any further analysis of the responses.
All possible permutations of data for each option were undertaken. However, the analysis showed no data trend due to the large number of respondents in support of Option A.
Area Breakdown
The only data on which analysis could be undertaken was that of location area. The responses were identified into three areas:
SE Fermanagh: Responses which identified: Aghadrumsee PS,
Brookeborough PS, Maguiresbridge PS, Moat PS,
Newtownbutler PS and Lisnaskea HS only.
Enniskillen/Fermanagh: Responses which identified Enniskillen Town
Schools and Schools not including those identified above.
- 5 -

Other:
Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
Responses with no specified location.
Total No. of Respondents = 1814
- 6 -

80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
1264
369
179
SE Fermanagh Enniskillen/Fermanagh
Area
Other
69.8
20.4
9.9
SE Fermanagh Enniskillen/Fermanagh
Area
Other
- 7 -

Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
Areagrp2 * Option A
Status Quo
Areagrp2 * Option B
4-14, 11-14/14-19
(non-selective)
Areagrp2 * Option C
11-14/14-19
(non-selective)
Areagrp2 * Option D
11-19 (Two College
Model)
Areagrp2 * Option E
11-19 (Co-location on Single Campus)
Valid
N
1768
1740
1666
1646
1629
Case Processing Summary
Percent
97.5%
95.9%
91.8%
90.7%
89.8%
N
Cases
Missing
Percent
46 2.5%
74
148
168
185
4.1%
8.2%
9.3%
10.2%
N
1814
1814
1814
1814
Total
Percent
1814 100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
Enniskillen/Fermanagh
SE Fermanagh
Other
Total
Areagrp2 * Option A Status Quo Crosstabulation
Option A Status Quo
Strongly
Agree
260
71.8%
1192
95.2%
136
88.3%
1588
89.8%
Agree
26
7.2%
7
.6%
3
1.9%
36
2.0%
Uncertain Disagree
13 36
3.6%
0
.0%
6
3.9%
19
1.1%
9.9%
0
.0%
3
1.9%
39
2.2%
Strongly
Disagree
27
7.5%
53
4.2%
6
3.9%
86
4.9%
SE Fermanagh
Other
Total
Areagrp2 * Option B 4-14, 11-14/14-19 (non-selective) Crosstabulation
Enniskillen/Fermanagh
Strongly
Agree
3
.9%
4
.3%
1
.7%
8
.5%
Option B 4-14, 11-14/14-19 (non-selective)
Agree
3
.9%
2
.2%
0
.0%
5
.3%
Uncertain Disagree
6 24
1.7%
1
.1%
1
.7%
8
.5%
6.8%
11
.9%
5
3.3%
40
2.3%
Strongly
Disagree
316
89.8%
1217
98.5%
146
95.4%
1679
96.5%
Total
362
100.0%
1252
100.0%
154
100.0%
1768
100.0%
Total
352
100.0%
1235
100.0%
153
100.0%
1740
100.0%
- 8 -

Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
Areagrp2 * Option C 11-14/14-19 (non-selective) Crosstabulation
Option C 11-14/14-19 (non-s elective)
Enniskillen/Fermanagh
SE Fermanagh
Other
Total
Strongly
Agree
13
3.7%
9
.8%
0
.0%
22
1.3%
Agree
19
5.4%
3
.3%
1
.7%
23
1.4%
Uncertain Disagree
21 33
6.0%
13
1.1%
4
2.7%
38
2.3%
9.4%
10
.9%
4
2.7%
47
2.8%
Strongly
Disagree
265
75.5%
1133
97.0%
138
93.9%
1536
92.2%
Areagrp2 * Option D 11-19 (Two College Model) Crosstabulation
Option D 11-19 (Two College Model)
Enniskillen/Fermanagh
SE Fermanagh
Other
Total
Strongly
Agree
38
11.0%
10
.9%
6
4.1%
54
3.3%
Agree
35
10.1%
6
.5%
3
2.1%
44
2.7%
Uncertain Disagree
28 18
8.1%
4
.3%
5
3.4%
37
2.2%
5.2%
10
.9%
4
2.7%
32
1.9%
Strongly
Disagree
228
65.7%
1123
97.4%
128
87.7%
1479
89.9%
Other
Total
Areagrp2 * Option E 11-19 (Co-location on Single Campus) Crosstabulation
Enniskillen/Fermanagh
SE Fermanagh
Option E 11-19 (Co-location on Single Campus)
Strongly
Agree
7
2.0%
Agree
9
2.6%
Uncertain
22
6.4%
Disagree
20
5.8%
Strongly
Disagree
286
83.1%
5
.4%
0
3
.3%
1
2
.2%
5
10
.9%
2
1124
98.3%
133
.0%
12
.7%
.7%
13
.8%
3.5%
29
1.8%
1.4%
32
2.0%
94.3%
1543
94.7%
- 9 -
Total
351
100.0%
1168
100.0%
147
100.0%
1666
100.0%
Total
347
100.0%
1153
100.0%
146
100.0%
1646
100.0%
Total
344
100.0%
1144
100.0%
141
100.0%
1629
100.0%

Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
% Strongly
Agree/Agree
SE Fermanagh Enniskillen/Fermanagh Other
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
95.8
79
90.2
21.1
0.5
1.8
0.7
1.1
9.1
0.7
1.4
6.2
Option A Status
Quo
Option B 4-14,11-
14/14-19
Option C 11-14/14-
19 (non-selective)
Option D 11-19
(Tw o College
Model)
0.7
4.6
0.7
Option E 11-19
(Co-location on
Single Campus)
Geographical Information System (GIS)
The above data was also analysed in GIS. Through the GIS programme, the post codes identified were applied to show respondents location, distribution, concentration of responses and support for individual Options. The GIS analysis supports the analysis from SPSS.
- 10 -

Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
Qualitative Analysis
Analysis on the qualitative information was undertaken for each Option considering advantages, disadvantages and comments. Emerging Themes were identified and these were brought together in common areas.
Every response was analysed and where an emerging theme was identified, this was logged to provide information on the number of responses in support of a theme. The emerging themes identified were specific to each Option and a running total for each theme provides information from respondents.
Where responses did not fall within the emerging themes these were logged as comments.
- 11 -

Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
Option A - Status Quo
– Advantages
Option A - Status Quo - Advantages: Emerging Themes Results
983 Community Identity Retained
Importance of Rural Community
Keep Rural Communities Alive
Vibrant Rural Communities
Children’s Rural Identity
Business Community
Retains Rural Primary Schools
Personal / Individual Needs Met
Better Teacher/Pupil Ratio
Teachers/Pupils/Parents Know Each Other
More One-to-0ne
Smaller Class Sizes
Childcare/Welfare Issues Met
Less Bullying
Allows Parental Choice
Shorter Traveling Distance
Traffic Congestion in Enniskillen
Greatly Increases the Length of the School Day
Close to Home/Nearest School
Retains Post-Primary in Lisnaskea
Better Supervision
Better Discipline
Access to After School Activities
Access to Local School Facilities
Better Competition Among Schools
Curriculum Choice
Educational Choice
Small School/Better Result
Quality Teaching/ Education
Suits All Abilities
Wait - New Selection Procedure
Reactive/Premature Response
Retain Selective System
Collaborative Working
Allows for Wider Debate/Investigate Options
Can Move on from a Position of Strength
Purpose Built Schools (already exist)
913
887
870
854
726
590
581
367
294
251
193
147
Works Well 141
- 12 -

Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
Option A - Status Quo – Disadvantages
Option A - Status Quo - Disadvantages: Emerging Themes Results
136 Entitlement Framework Restrictions
Reduced Curriculum /Educational Choice
Limited Teacher Experience
Less favourable Exam Results
Inequality of Opportunities for Pupils
Competition Among Schools
Increased Travelling Distance - Welfare/H&S Issues
Increased Traffic Congestion in Enniskillen
Increases the Length of the School Day
Overloaded Buses
130
126 Personal / Individual Needs Not Met
Increase in Teacher/Pupil Ratio - Larger Class Sizes
Supervision Issues
Discipline Issues
Childcare/Welfare Needs Not Met
Increased Bullying
Children Underachieve in Larger Classes
Too Many Pupils in Larger Schools
Children's Rural Identity Lost
Importance of Retention of Rural Community
Rural Business Community Adversely Affected
Discrimination
Collaboration
Shared Future
Lack of Flexibility
Opposed to Single Gender Schooling
No Parental Choice
No After School Activities
No Post-Primary in Lisnaskea
No Rural Primary Schools
Wait - New Selection Procedure
Reactive/Premature Response
Causes too Much Disruption
Inadequate Funding
No Economies of Scale
Cost of Maintaining Current Buildings
Modernise Current School Accommodation
Sustainability
Demographic Trends - Fall in Numbers
GS Always Fill Their Numbers
Build on Existing Strengths
120
107
102
103
100
98
53
43
9
Change is Required / Modernise System 5
Contradicts Board/DE Policies 3
- 13 -

Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
Option B - 4-14, 11-14/14-19 - (non selective) - Advantages
Option B - 4-14, 11-14/14-19 (non selective) - Advantages:
Emerging Themes
Results
Retains Rural Schools
Retains Post-Primary in Lisnaskea
18
Financial Benefits
Better Educational Facilities
Support 4-14 Model
Time for Children to Mature 4-14 Model
Better Education/Grades
No Selection at 11
No Selection at 14
9
6
5
Collaboration
Lisnaskea Prime Setting for Shared School
Access to Academic and Vocational Subjects
Post-16
New Selection Procedure
5
3
1
- 14 -

Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
Option B - 4-14, 11-14/14-19 - (non selective) - Disadvantages
Option B - 4-14, 11-14/14-19 (non selective) - Disadvantages:
Emerging Themes
Results
No Post-Primary in Lisnaskea
No Rural Primary Schools
869
Increased Travelling Distance - Welfare/H&S Issues
Increased Traffic Congestion in Enniskillen
Increases the Length of the School Day
Travelling with Older Children
Too Young to Travel Long Distances
Personal / Individual Needs Not Met
Increase in Pupil/Teacher Ratio - Larger Class Sizes
Supervision Issues
Discipline Issues
Childcare/Welfare Needs Not Met H&S Issues
Increased Bullying
Children Underachieve in larger classes
Too Many Pupils in Colleges
Children's Rural Identity Lost
Importance of Retention of Rural Community
Discriminate again/ Death of Rural Communities
Vibrant Rural Communities Lost
Rural Business Community Adversely Affected
Community Feel of Small Schools
Job losses
No Parental Choice
4-14 Option - Mixing with older children
830
795
692
687
644
628 Discrimination Against SE Fermanagh
No Equality of Access to Education
No Access to After School Activities
No Access to Local School Facilities
Wait - New Selection Procedure
Reactive/Premature Response
No Competition Among Schools
Reduced Curriculum /Educational Choice
Larger Schools
Reduction in Quality Teaching/ Education
Problems delivering Curriculum
Comprehensive System
No Collaboration
Another Transfer at Age 14
Increased Disruption
Changing School at 14
Time for Children to Mature at 14
Low Numbers in 11-14
Financial / Set up Costs
Uniform Expense
Non-Selective
Pupils with Different Abilities Need to be Streamlined
- 15 -
382
314
283
148
27
8

Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
Option C - 11-14/14-19 - (non selective) - Advantages
Option C - 11-14/14-19 (non selective) - Advantages: Emerging
Themes
Results
211 Similar to Current Provision
Primary Schools Retained
14 Better Age to Make Decisions
Non-Selection at 11
Economies of Scale/Resources Shared
Greater choice of Subjects/Offer Entitlement Framework
Academic / Vocational Subjects
Broader Curriculum
87
35
Non-Selection System
Everyone Gets the Same Chance
No Difference Made in Child's Abilities
Common Curriculum to 14
Equality of Opportunity
Selection Opportunities for Pupils
Specialisms
Broader Curriculum
Entitlement Framework Met
Difficult to Staff 11-14 College
31
5
2
- 16 -

Expensive
.
Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
Option C - 11-14/14-19 - (non selective) - Disadvantages
Option C - 11-14/14-19 (non selective) - Disadvantages: Emerging
Themes
Results
550
538
No Parental Choice
Increased Travelling Distance - Welfare/H&S Issues
Increased Traffic Congestion in Enniskillen
Increases the Length of the School Day
Road Infrastructure Unsuitable
Personal / Individual Needs Not Met
Increase in Pupil/Teacher Ratio - Larger Class Sizes
Supervision Issues
Discipline Issues
Childcare/Welfare Needs Not Met
Increased Bullying
Children Underachieve in Larger Classes
Too Many Pupils in Colleges
No Post-Primary in Lisnaskea
Children's Rural Identity Lost
Importance of Retention of Rural Community
Vibrant Rural Communities Lost
Rural Business Community Adversely Affected
No Access to After School Activities
No Access to Local School Facilities
After School Activities not Easily Accessed
Discrimination against SE Fermanagh.
Discrimination on rural parents/children
Discrimination of the protestant community
No Competition Among Schools (less schools)
Reduced Curriculum /Educational Choice
Larger Schools
Reduction in Quality Teaching/ Education
Wait - New Selection Procedure
Reactive/Premature Response
Another Transfer at Age 14
Increased Disruption
Non-Selective
Pupils with Different Abilities Need to be Streamlined
500
497
400
311
297
198
150
38
35
13
- 17 -

Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
Option D - 11-19 - (Two College Model) - Advantages
Option D - 11-19 (Two College Model) - Advantages: Emerging
Themes
Results
Retains Rural Primary Schools 153
46 Broader Curriculum Offered
Entitlement Framework Met
Prepares Pupils for Skills for Jobs
Allows Selection and Non-Selection
Keep 2 Grammar Schools Together
Economies of Scale
Economic Benefits
Modern Facilities
New Build Schools
Everyone Gets the Same Chance
Adapts to Pupils Learning Needs
Equality of Opportunity
Maintains Advantages/Standards of Existing Schools
Build on Strengths/Standards of Existing Schools
Co Location
Collaboration Between 2 Colleges
Movement of Students/Staff Between Colleges Facilitated
Movement Between Band/Ability Facilitated
Sustainable Schools
Co-educational Schools
Wait - New Selection Procedure
Encourages Specialist Teachers
- 18 -
34
31
28
19
19
14
13
3
8

Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
Option D - 11-19 - (Two College Model) - Disadvantages
Option D - 11-19 (Two College Model) - Disadvantages: Emerging
Themes
Results
485
471
No Post-Primary School in Lisnaskea
Increased Travelling Distance - Welfare/H&S Issues
Increased Traffic Congestion in Enniskillen
Increases the Length of the School Day
Road Infrastructure Unsuitable
Personal / Individual Needs Not Met
Increase in Pupil/Teacher Ratio - Larger Class Sizes
Supervision Issues
Discipline Issues
Childcare/Welfare Needs Not Met
Increased Bullying
Too Many Pupils in Colleges
No Parental Choice
Children's Rural Identity Lost
Importance of Retention of Rural Community
Vibrant Rural Communities Lost
Rural Business Community Adversely Affected
Job Losses
Wait - New Selection Procedure
Reactive/Premature Response
ESA Not Established
Discrimination Against SE Fermanagh.
Discrimination on Rural parents/children
Discrimination of The Protestant Community
No Access to After School Activities
No Access to Local School Facilities
After School Activities not easily accessed
No Competition Among Schools (less schools)
Reduced Curriculum /Educational Choice
Larger Schools
Reduction in Quality Teaching/ Education
No Single Gender Education
Fivemiletown HS Not Considered
438
401
354
347
294
211
187
38
27
20 Non-Selective
Pupils with Different Abilities Need to be streamlined
Schools - Current Provision / Ethos Removed
New Builds Required - additional cost/time
16
6
- 19 -

Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
Option E – Co-location on a Single Campus - Advantages
Option E - Co-location on a Single Campus - Advantages:
Emerging Themes
Results
Retains Rural Primary Schools
Equality of Opportunity
Broader Curriculum
Entitlement Framework
70
11
Sharing of Teaching Resources
More Experienced Teaching Staff
Better Education
Collaboration
Less Costly to Run One School
Financially Sustainable
Capital Expenditure Available
State of the Art Facilities
9
9
7
6
Removes Competition Between Schools
Schools Retain Existing Status
Sustainable Schools
All Pupils on One Site
2
2
3
3
Option E – Co-location on a Single Campus - Disadvantages
- 20 -

Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
Option E - Co-location on a Single Campus - Disadvantages:
Emerging Themes
Results
552 Personal / Individual Needs Not Met
Increase in Pupil/Teacher Ratio - Larger Class Sizes
Supervision Issues
Discipline Issues
Childcare/Welfare Needs Not Met
Increased Bullying
Children Underachieve in Larger Classes
Too Many Pupils in Colleges/Enniskillen/Single Location
No Post-Primary in Lisnaskea/SE Fermanagh
Increased Travelling Distance - Welfare/H&S Issues
Increased Traffic Congestion in Enniskillen
Increases the Length of the School Day
Road Infrastructure Unsuitable
Children's Rural Identity Lost
Importance of Retention of Rural Community
Vibrant Rural Communities Lost
Rural Business Community Adversely Affected
No Parental Choice
421
391
387
258
219 Discrimination Against SE Fermanagh.
Discrimination on Rural Parents/Children
Discrimination of the Protestant Community
No Equality of Education
Wait - New Selection Procedure
Reactive/Premature Response
ESA Not Established
No Access to After School Activities
No Access to Local School Facilities
After School Activities Not Easily Accessed
No Competition Between Schools (less schools)
209
167
94
Current Trend to Smaller Schools
Fivemiletown HS Not Considered
52
38
24
4
Expensive
Non-Selective
Pupils with Different Abilities Need to be Streamlined
Increased Disruption
Further Comment
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2

Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh
Analysis was undertaken on this section of the questionnaire. Responses suggesting ways forward or other options to be considered were identified.
Suggestions for Consideration
I think children are best educated in a school which suits their needs whether selective or non selective…… A selective ‘grammar’ school be placed on the
Portora site and nonselective ‘high’ school should go into the Collegiate.
There is no need to build another school in Enniskillen.
None of these options are satisfactory because there is no consideration of the possibility of education benefit for co-operation across the educational sectors.
I would suggest that a fresh start is made by bringing the various sectors around a table and working towards a sensible educational model.
The rural development council and other such bodies are coming up with ideas and money for schemes - further shared cross-community development
- Option E should be expanded to take advantage of this momentum.
Lisnaskea HS and Fivemiletown HS could be jointed together on two campus sites sharing teachers and schools meals provision making Lisnaskea more viable.
Need a good 6 th form college for all so we can provide a broad base of subject choices for those who wish to study academic subjects - allow South West
College to provide the more vocational courses …… cooperation between the two for those who wish to ‘mix-match’.
I believe that there should be a much wider and much more deeper dialogue which involves all post primary schools in Fermanagh, including SW College and Erne Integrated College. However this dialogue needs to be facilitated in a relative way which begins by encouraging each school to engage in a selfreview process enabling them to have the clarity about their vision for the future and to be able to communicate clearly what they consider their strengths to be and what therefore is the distinctive contribution they can make to the curriculum experiences of pupils in Fermanagh. I would suggest that a project director be sought to facilitate this process someone with no distinctive educational baggage but with extensive on the ground educational experience.
What about Portora and Devenish College coming together in on site as a coed abilities school? Collegiate take on board all boys and girls as a grammar school - a community school in Lisnaskea open to all 11-16 - village community primary schools open to all, in villages where two currently exist.
To maintain small schools which are too isolated to come into a community
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Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh school, I would like to see a travelling bursar who would support several schools administration and force teaching principals to teach.
Possible option - teachers travel to rural schools to deliver education instead of the children having to travel.
Option E suggestion: locate this campus on Portora grounds. The sale of the
Collegiate grounds, existing Devenish College grounds, newly acquired
Devenish College site and Lisnaskea HS site would go a long way to developing the campus on the Portora site.
I would suggest that 55-60 acres has the opportunity to build either Devenish
College beside a new build for Portora or combine Enniskillen Collegiate with
Portora. The future could possibly be a co-educational school on Portora Hill, whether with Devenish or the Collegiate. Devenish could have their new build on the Tempo Road and the Collegiate situated where they are existing or in an enhanced school on Portora Hill. Finally I have knowledge of parents of both boys and girls that have asked would Portora consider taking their daughters, particularly as girls have previously been pupils. Please remember
Portora estate is not fit for purpose. All these suggestions would facilitate
Option D which is the best option for our children of Fermanagh.
No consideration has been given to what each school can offer to working collaboratively - develop this.
Why bus children to a central location at great expense? Other technologies plus options such as moving staff rather than children plus IT used should be examined.
What about merging different denomination schools? Without calling it integrated education. We need to look at changing situations and meet the needs of our children.
Need to look at more merging of inter-denomination schools, which will reduce costs and also help pool/share resources.
Collaborative working, this option should be included. This could be incorporated into status quo with development.
For the future of Lisnaskea High School, I envisage scope for cross-sector collaboration with the local school, St Comhghalls. I suggest a pilot scheme for the 2 schools where by there is one Board of Governors, 2 principals and schools remaining on both sites (as they currently are) however, resources can be shared e.g.. Skill mix of teachers, joint classes in some subjects. If pilot is successful e.g. 3-5 years, one could then look towards a single campus, integrated school in Lisnaskea. The 5 rural primary schools should remain as they are especially the Moat as it is sustainable in its current situation. There are also opportunities for collaboration between utilised in an
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Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh effective way.
Further option. Why not relocate children from Tamlagh and Lisbellaw to
Lisnaskea HS. Advantages - increases numbers in Lisnaskea, this would make Lisnaskea a viable school in the words of WELB. No traffic congestion on the roads to Lisnaskea unlike Enniskillen.
Fermanagh College and Fermanagh Skills Centre have not been taken into consideration.
Has anyone considered post primary education moving to campus in
Lisbellaw, out of Enniskillen - easing the traffic pressure in Enniskillen?
Need to link up with maintained schools to discuss ways of keeping our schools open……………..all schools have the same holidays.
The option of one village community schools had not been included.
Option D - I am a pupil at Enniskillen Collegiate and have often wished we were joined with Portora for obvious reasons! I also think however that it might be a good idea from an educational position because it would give us more choice of subjects. Option C - This would also give us more choice of subjects and might be a fairer system because pupils of all abilities could be moved up or down classes if they were doing well or badly. However, (Option
A) I believe is the only system which works at present and until the government has made it decision above the 11+ or selection at 14 final, and until it has decided on new council areas and education boards etc. Then it would be foolish to change our system. When these decisions are made I think I would like to see option C or D in preference to Option A but only if they fitted in with the larger picture in NI as a whole. Option E - I would absolutely hate a huge school like this, and don’t think the teachers would have such a personal interest in their pupils.
The amalgamation of Elmbrook and Erne schools would be an advantage.
The teachers and their views have not been recognised. Ultimately we need to educate our children together according to their academic/vocational ability but this is a long way off. We could however consider a 6 th form AS/A Level college, integrated and co-educational.
The only options which would appeal to any sensible parent are A and D.
Another possible option would be to have 3 junior high schools (11-14) situated in Lisnaskea, Enniskillen and Kesh with 2 senior colleges (1 vocational) (1 academic) in Enniskillen.
We feel it is better to segregate according to ability. Those who are more practical can then attend schools specialising in these skills. For this reason
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Initial Analysis – May 2008
Future of Controlled/Voluntary Post-Primary Education in Co Fermanagh we would favour the Status Quo, but if this is too expensive then why not have one head for both grammar schools but still keeping the schools on their existing sites – enlarging and re-building what is necessary. 2 vice principals can be located in each of Portora and Collegiate. Then Lisnaskea and
Devenish College would also be separate, with new building as necessary.
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