“To inspire, support and challenge all our Children and Young People to be the best that they can be.”

Education Authority

Grahamsbridge Road, Dundonald, Belfast, BT16 2HS T: +44 (0)28 9056 6200 W: www.eani.org.uk

RE-ISSUED LETTER

17 October 2019 The Secretary School Board of Governors and School Trustees Dear Sir/Madam Development Proposal No 590 – Coláiste Feirste This Development Proposal has been re-issued as the Case for Change has been amended in relation to the admissions and enrolment numbers and the change of provision from a proposed two site model. The Education Authority has been requested by the Board of Governors of Coláiste Feirste to publish the undernoted proposal in accordance with Article 14 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986: Coláiste Feirste will increase its annual admissions number from 100 to 150 pupils, with an annual phased increase in the enrolment number from 600 to 910, with effect from 1 September 2020, or as soon as possible thereafter. Under the above legislation, the Education Authority is obliged to consult the trustees and managers of any school or schools which would, in the opinion of the Education Authority, be affected by the proposal. I am writing to ask you to draw the matter to the attention of the Board of Governors and Trustees of your school and to let me have any comments they may wish to make not later than Thursday 21 November 2019. Any responses which the Board of Governors/Trustees wish to make in relation to this proposal should be returned to the address below or by email to areaplanning3@eani.org.uk. The Authority will consider all written responses received during the consultation process. Please note that any letters of objection or support may be published on the Department of Education’s website, with appropriate redactions, if they are included in full in the submission on which the outcome of the proposal is decided. I enclose, for your information, a draft Development Proposal and Case for Change document providing information on the Development Proposal. Comments on the proposal will be subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Thank you for your help in this matter. Yours faithfully

Stephen Martin Area Planning Officer Encs

EDUCATION AUTHORITY

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL NO 590

COLÁISTE FEIRSTE Notice is hereby given that a Proposal under Article 14 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 has been submitted to the Education Authority by the Board of Governors of Coláiste Feirste, to the effect that: Coláiste Feirste will increase its annual admissions number from 100 to 150 pupils, with an annual phased increase in the enrolment number from 600 to 910, with effect from 1 September 2020, or as soon as possible thereafter. A copy of the Proposal and Case for Change may be inspected at the offices of the Education Authority, 40 Academy Street, Belfast, BT1 2NQ, between the hours of 8.30 am and 4.45 pm and www.eani.org.uk (Area Planning). Any objections or support to this Proposal should be lodged with the Area Planning Policy Team, Department of Education, Rathgael House, Balloo Road, Bangor, Co Down, BT19 7PR or emailed to dps@education-ni.gov.uk within two months of the date of publication of this notice. Any letters of objection or support may be published on the Department of Education’s website, with appropriate redactions, if they are included in full in the submission on which the outcome of the proposal is decided. The Department of Education and the Education Authority operate a regime of openness under the Freedom of Information Act. Letters of objection and information supplied to the Department of Education and the Education Authority may be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, if requested. (A fee may be charged for supplying this information.) Sara Long Chief Executive

http://www.eani.org.uk/

1

CASE for CHANGE – Supporting Information

SUMMARY/OVERVIEW

AREA PLANNING

DISTRICT

Belfast

DP NUMBER DP 590

PROPOSER Chair of Board of Governors

Seán Mistéil

028 9032 0707

SCHOOL(S) NAME Coláiste Feirste

SCHOOL

REFERENCE

124 0291

TYPE Post Primary (11-19)

MANAGEMENT Irish Medium

DP PUBLICATION

DATE

PROPOSAL Coláiste Feirste will increase its annual admissions number from 100 to 150 pupils, with an annual phased increase in the enrolment number from 600 to 910, with effect from 1 September 2020, or as soon as possible thereafter.

2

STATUTORY CONSULTATION

Note: It may be necessary for documentary evidence to be provided to show

that the statutory procedures have been followed. It is essential that relevant

parties retain this information.

The following is to be completed by the Proposer and signed off by them.

EDUCATION AUTHORITY COMMENTARY ON PRE-PUBLICATION STATUTORY

CONSULTATION

PROPOSER

Provide detail of

consultation with the

BOGs, teachers and

parents of the affected

school(s) – dates of

meetings/letters. Good

practice suggests all

staff (including non-

teaching) should be

consulted as well as

pupils.

Summary and

assessment of views

received – how were

these taken into

account before

publication of the DP?

Board of Governors

In response to the clear and continuing growth in

demand for places in the school which it is not possible

to accommodate on the current site, the Governors were

consulted ona number of options.

1. Cap Enrolment

2. Accommodate within the Existing Site

3. Increase the capacity of the school by establishing a

dual site of Coláiste Feirste in north Belfast to cater for

the increased demand for places in CF.

While Option 3 was the Governors preferred option, the

project board has been unable to identify a suitable site

in north Belfast and we are proposing Option 2, that we

accommodate the increased enrolment for Coláiste

Feirste on the existing site on a temporary basis of two

years, while CF engages with the DE to identify and

acquire a suitable site for the long term development of

IME post primary in north Belfast. The case for change

for a dual site is outlined and will be the template once a

suitable site is acquired.

3

Parents

Three meetings with interested parents have been held

in St Enda’s GAA clubhouse, Glengormley on 27

September 2017 and in Áras Mhic Reachtain, Antrim

Road on 3 October 2017 and in Bunscoil Bheann

Mhadagáin 19 November 2018. In total, the meetings

were attended by more than 100 parents from the three

feeder bunscoileanna: Gaelscoil Éanna, Bunscoil

Bheann Mhadagáin and Bunscoil Mhic Reachtain.

The meetings were positive in tone, although, some

parents expressed caution that their children might miss

out on the new facilities at the Beechmount site. We

explained the situation carefully that the Beechmount

site is not big enough to meet the growing numbers

seeking admission to Coláiste Feirste in the coming

years and that we need to provide additional capacity.

We explained that when a suitable site in north Belfast

was procured, the new dual site would be staffed by

experienced teachers from Coláiste Feirste, that the

Board of Governors and senior management team

would manage the transition to establish the new

provision and that an experienced Head of School would

be appointed in good time to ensure the new venture is

ready to deliver from day one. However, until that time

the increase in enrolment would be handled within the

site.

We agreed to contact the interested stakeholders and

keep them up to date with the progress of the venture.

We re-engaged with stakeholders 19/11/18 to discuss

the progress to date.

Coláiste Feirste met with Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta

1/9/17 who have been represented at all of project board

meetings since then. Coláiste Feirste & CnaG met with

representatives from DE 20/7/17 to discuss our

intentions regarding north Belfast. The intention to set up

a dual site in north Belfast has been discussed at board

of governors’ meetings, most recently 28/2/18 & 9/15/18.

Following further meetings with EA area planning team

24/9/19 and DE area planning team 31/7/19 the project

board held meetings with parents from north Belfast at

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Gaelscoil Éanna 26/9/19 and at Bunscoil Bheann

Mhadagáin 30/9/19. In addition we met with staff and

governors of Coláiste Feirste 1/10/19. These meetings

were all overwhelmingly positive, however, parents were

anxious for confirmation that their children would be

guaranteed of a place in Coláiste Feirste in the coming

years, in the light of the lack of capacity in the IME post

primary sector in Belfast at the present time.

CONFIRMATION BY

THE PROPOSER

I confirm that the school(s) BOGs, Staff and Parents of

pupils were consulted on and Equality Screening of the

proposal has been carried out.

NAME: Seán Mistéil OFFICE HELD: Chair

SIGNED: DATE: 9/10/2019

ASSOCIATED PROPOSALS

DP XXX

Published DD/MM/YY

None

5

The following is to be completed and signed off by the EA.

EDUCATION AUTHORITY COMMENTARY ON PRE-PUBLICATION STATUTORY

CONSULTATION

THE EDUCATION AUTHORITY I confirm that the schools which the EA

consider might be impacted by this

proposal were consulted on

NAME: OFFICE HELD;

SIGNED: DATE:

Provide detail of consultation with

schools that may, in the EA’s opinion,

be affected by the proposal - list of

schools, dates of letters issued to

schools/meetings.

Summary of views received (number of

responses, recurring themes, petitions,

community support or opposition).

Responses/Assurances in respect of

issues raised during consultation.

Dates of EA meetings e.g. Education

Committee/ Board etc.

Details of issues raised by members of

EA Board

Underway

EDUCATION AUTHORITY

COMMENTS

In the context of planning on an area

basis - what is the EA’s view of the

proposal, taking into account any pre-

publication consultation. Does the EA

support the proposal?

SIGNATURE:

PRINT NAME:

POSITION:

DATE:

To be approved by Education

Committee

6

BACKGROUND

Case for Change – Site Option

After thoroughly reviewing the options open to Coláiste Feirste it is clear that the

preferred option to deal with the continued increase in the demand for post primary

IME places in Belfast is to set up a dual site in north Belfast as a pathway to

establishing an independent IME post primary at some point in the future. Around

one third of the current school population is from north Belfast while the majority of

the rest of the children are from west Belfast. So, it makes sense that future

provision is located in a suitable area in north Belfast.

Despite inquiring about 13 separate sites in north Belfast CF has been unable to

identify a site that would satisfy the long term development of IME post primary

provision in the area. Consequently, DE suggested that we meet the anticipated

increase in numbers on the existing school site on a temporary basis and allow the

DE the time and opportunity to intensify its efforts to help Coláiste Feirste identify

and procure a suitable site in the area. Until then the additional pupils will be

accommodated by the provision of temporary classrooms on the Beechmount site.

Coláiste Feirste has agreed to take that advice and accommodate the increase in

pupil numbers on our current site, despite having reservations. It agrees to

accommodate increased numbers on the Beechmount site until a suitable site in

north Belfast is procured. We expect this solution to last for no more than two years.

The Coláiste Feirste building is suitable for a maximum of 600 pupils, which was

exceeded before the capital project was completed. In addition to issues of physical

capacity, the board of Coláiste Feirste firmly believe that our ability to effectively

manage the school and maintain its linguistic focus, where Irish is the medium of

instruction and the medium of social engagement within the campus would be

compromised if the school numbers exceed 600. If there was alternative IME post

primary provision in Belfast to meet the increased demand Coláiste Feirste would not

consider increasing the size of the school, however, the alternative for a significant

cohort of pupils would be that they would not have the choice of continuing their

education through Irish medium, which as well as being the denial of a fundamental

right would be detrimental to the future sustainability of the IME primary sector in the

city and beyond.

Consequently, the school is prepared to cater for the additional numbers on site until

a suitable site in north Belfast is secured.

Coláiste Feirste

Coláiste Feirste, located in west Belfast, is an all-ability non-denominational co-educational Irish-medium post primary school for 11-19 year old pupils. Most of the pupils come from the Greater Belfast area but a small number come from areas outside Belfast including south Down and south Antrim and south Derry. Over the

7

last five years the school enrolment has increased by 20% from 566 to 678, requiring approved Temporary Variation requests to DE. (See Appendix 1)

The Irish language is central to the ethos of the school. Students are encouraged to be confident and assured in their own identity and culture but aware and appreciative of other cultures and traditions. While studying the wide range of subjects available at Coláiste Feirste our pupils have the opportunity to learn and use the enormous vocabulary associated with these subjects and so achieve a level of fluency and confidence in Irish which they could not achieve elsewhere. Coláiste Feirste offers the opportunity for pupils to bring to fruition the benefits of their Irish-medium education, begun at primary school.

The school delivers the full curriculum in Irish. At Key Stage 3 pupils study a wide range of subjects including: Irish, English, French, Spanish, Sciences, Mathematics, Design and Technology, Religious Education, Learning for Life and Work, Music, Art, Geography, History, Physical Education, Computers, Careers, Home Economics, Drama. There is also an emphasis on the development of skills and attitudes for further successful study at GCSE and A-level.At Key Stage 4 pupils have a choice of 27 subjects for GCSE, both academic and vocational. At Key Stage 5 pupils have a choice of 21 Level 3 subjects, both A-level and BTEC, in accordance with the Entitlement Framework. In addition, pupils may choose a vocational pathway with a mixture of A-level Irish and vocational courses at Level 2 (BTEC or NVQ).

The percentage of children, entitled to free school meals, attending the school has increased from 39% to 62.4% in recent years. Approximately 52% of pupils enter the school with the expected level of literacy and approximately 33% of them with the expected level of numeracy. The school has identified 42% of its pupils as being in need of additional support with some aspects of their learning (275 pupils). Numbers on the Code of Practice are as follows: Stage 1 (28), Stage 2 (106), Stage 3 (131), Stage 4 (6), Stage 5 (22).

Coláiste Feirste has an innovative school-funded Learning Support Centre (LSC) with a coordinator, two full-time teachers, one part-time teacher and a small team of learning support assistants. This LSC has not yet been recognised or funded by DE. Coláiste Feirste continues to meet this IM sectoral need out of its own budget and resources. The Centre team nurture and support both pupils with a myriad of special educational needs and also a wider group of pupils who have difficulties at any particular time. They have developed a KS3 Croífhoghlaim (foundation learning) system unique to the school. They also support and develop specific Irish-medium pedagogies and support strategies for children with difficulties with cognition, SEBD and ASD.

Coláiste Feirste works closely with our partners in Primary and Post-Primary and recognises the importance to the IM sector of the school’s post-primary provision.

Coláiste Feirste is the only IME post primary school in Belfast, which means that if Coláiste Feirste cannot provide a place for a child seeking admission, s/he would have no access to IME post primary education and would have to transfer to the English medium mainstream. Appendix 1 shows the intake from recent years up to the present and a forecast for the next 5 years.

8

SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT

Summary of the school/s Sustainability supported by statistical data linked to the

SSP 1 indicators

Quality Educational Experience Pupils have a full set of option choices and pursue their chosen subjects to the highest level. The Entitlement Framework will be available to all pupils in both the west Belfast site and the north Belfast site as outlined in this Case for Change. Evidence from an ETI general inspection of the school published in 2016, the annual Entitlement Framework audit by DE and the annual Statement of Examination Results (SAER) authenticated by DE highlight the following points about standards and achievement in Coláiste Feirste and its capacity to deliver successfully on the Development Proposal. ETI concluded that “the school demonstrates the capacity to identify and bring about improvement in the interests of all learners”. Among its main findings were:

There can be a high degree of confidence in the aspects of governance evaluated. The governors are actively involved in making key decisions for school improvement, are highly supportive of senior leaders and work of the school, but offer a level of challenge as appropriate.

The senior leadership team (SLT) has a clear strategic vision for the school and provides high quality support and guidance for the staff. They have high expectations and lead by example.

The school delivers Achievements and Standards consistently well or significantly above the NI average – including in English, Irish and Maths.

Pastoral care is a significant strength of the school and its policy is sectoral- leading.

Throughout the school the pupils demonstrate consistently their readiness to learn.

The school has excellent relationships with numerous external agencies which further support the staff in meeting the wide-ranging social, emotional, behavioural and learning needs of the pupils.

A high priority is given to meeting the needs of pupils who require additional support with aspects of their learning.

9

Effective and timely communication with the contributory primary schools, along with the school’s internal procedures, ensures that the needs of the pupils are identified promptly and effectively planned for.

The EF Curriculum Audit shows that the school offers a broad and varied curriculum through the medium of Irish to meet the needs and aspirations of all pupils.

The annual SAER demonstrates further the high achievements and standards of the pupils and the added value for children from a background of social disadvantage, low educational attainment and high SEN.

GCSE The percentage of Coláiste Feirste’s pupils attaining five or more GCSE qualifications or equivalent at grades A* to C is consistently significantly above the average for non-selective schools in the same free school meals band. Maths ETI stated that the standards attained by the pupils in Mathematics are very good. Pupils attain well in GCSE Mathematics and despite some fluctuation, there is an overall upward trend. Achievements in GCSE are well above the three-year average for similar schools. Irish ETI stated:

The standards attained by the pupils in Gaeilge are outstanding.

The percentage of pupils achieving at grades A* to C in GCSE Gaeilge has been consistently above the North of Ireland average in the past three years, with most achieving at grades A* to B.

The pupils’ use of Irish as the language of learning and for social interaction is outstanding. They speak with clarity and confidence, and with increasing fluency, as they move through the school.

GCE A level Irish has been above the North of Ireland average for the past three years.

English

The standards attained by the pupils in English are very good. In most of the lessons, the pupils speak clearly and present their work confidently; the writing in most of the books is accurate, well-structured and set in relevant contexts.

Over the past three years, the percentage of pupils attaining at grades A* to C in GCSE English has been consistently well above the North of Ireland average for similar schools.

English literature A* to C is also above the corresponding average. The Summary of Annual Examination Results (SAER) for Coláiste Feirste and the annual DE data packs, including benchmarking data, also highlight that Coláiste Feirste is consistently above average in terms of pupil outcomes.

10

The annual audit of the Entitlement Framework Curriculum Offer in recent years shows that Coláiste Feirste has offered a broad and varied curriculum to pupils which meets their needs, aspirations and abilities. The following table is an example from 2018/19 of the Offer the school can make. Entitlement Framework Curriculum Offer 2018/19

Offered Delivered Total

Applied General Applied General Not

listed

Offered Delivered

Year

11

2 2 14 9 27 23

Year

12

1 2 13 9 25 22

Year

13

2 2 10 10 2 24 22

Year

14

2 6 10 6 4 28 20

Growing Enrolment Trends In 2013 Coláiste Feirste had 566 pupils. This has risen to 680(648 + 32 SEN) by October 2018, a growth of 20% over 5 years. It is expected that this trend will continue significantly beyond the physical capacity of the school.This over-enrolment has so far been managed through temporary variation requests granted by DE. However, this is unsustainable beyond the short-term. (See Appendix 1: Actual Pupil No.s 2013-2018; and Projected Pupil No.s 2019 – 2023.)

11

Temporary variations 2014 – 2018 Year School

Reference Number

School Name

Approved Enrolment Number

Approved Admissions Number

Temporary Variation Enrolment

Number (excluding

SEN pupils)

Temporary Variation

Admissions Number

2018/19

1240291 Coláiste Feirste

600 100 648 100

2017/18

1240291 Coláiste Feirste

600 100 633 103

2016/17

1240291 Coláiste Feirste

600 100 624 122

2014/15

1240291 Coláiste Feirste

585 100 0 109

Source: Education Authority It is proposed that pupils from the 3 north Belfast feeder bunscoileanna will transfer to the north Belfast site of Coláiste Feirste. Historically transfer rates have been good, hindered only by practical home-to-school transport issues.

12 Transfer rate from north Belfast bunscoileanna to Coláiste Feirste 2013-2019

Primary

school

20

12-

13

No

. in

P.

7

No.

to

CF

Sep

t

201

3

% 201

3-14

No.

in

P.7

No.

to

CF

Sep

t

201

4

% 201

4-15

No.

in

P.7

No.

to

CF

Sep

t

201

5

% 201

5-16

No.

in

P.7

No.

to

CF

Sep

t

201

6

% 201

6-17

No.

in

P.7

No.

to

CF

Sep

t

201

7

% 201

7-

18

No.

in

P.7

No.

to

CF

Sep

t

201

8

% P.7

201

8-19

No

. to

CF

%

BSBheann

Mhadagáin

17 9 53 12 11 91.

7

7 5 71.

4

19 15 79 16 14 88 16 9 56 12 10 83

%

BS Mhic

Reachtain

11 11 100 3 3 100 10 9 90 8 7 88 10 7 70 10 7 70 15 12 80

%

Gaelscoil

Éanna

10 3 30 16 8 50 6 3 50 15 8 53 19 7 37 33 16 48

%

Total 20 71

%

17 68

%

22 66

%

25 76

%

29 71

%

23 51

%

60 38 65

%

*

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These three schools also have a growing enrolment which makes any north Belfast provision sustainable in the future. Feeder IM Primary School Enrolments 2018-2024

School/Year

Pre- school

P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P7

GS Éanna

28 22 26 27 26 27 27 33 19

BS BheannMhadagáin

29 22 28 26 23 17 18 12 16

BS Mhic Reachtain

21 9 15 18 15 16 10 15 10

Total 78 53 69 71 64 60 55 60 45

Year of Transfer (Sept)

2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018

No. pupils transferring to CF (66%)

51 35 45 47 42 40 36 39 23

70% transfer rate 55 37 48 50 45 42 39

The average transfer rate of pupils from the three feeder primary schools to Coláiste Feirste over the past five years is 66%. Applying this average transfer percentage to the school enrolment figures, produces the following transfer numbers in the first five years. However this transfer rate could be higher given that (a) the lower transfer rate in 2018 which lowers the average significantly is an anomaly; and (b) there should be an increase in transfer rate due to the proximity of the north Belfast site to these feeder schools. Therefore, the increase in pupil numbers over the next 5 years is likely to continue over the longer term. Sound Financial Position Coláiste Feirste is in a good financial position with a balanced school budget. This proposal will require additional development funding to proceed as outlined later in this document.

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Strong Leadership and Management Evidence from an ETI general inspection of the school published in 2016 highlights the following points about the school and its capacity to deliver successfully on the Development Proposal.

The senior leadership team (SLT) has a clear strategic vision for the school and provides high quality support and guidance for the staff.

This work has resulted in an innovative, dynamic and unique school with a clear sense of collective purpose and identity.

The ETI’s evaluation is that there can be a high degree of confidence in the aspects of governance evaluated. They are committed to enabling the pupils and staff to excel and they have the highest expectations of and for the staff and pupils.

A key feature of the governance is the drive to raise pupil aspirations and improve their life chances, as positive contributors to society, locally and globally, and as ambassadors for the Irish language and associated culture.

Accessibility The establishment of a new site in north Belfast will offer improved accessibility to pupils from the three feeder primary schools when compared to their current journey to the Coláiste Feirste site in West Belfast. AREA PLANNING IMPACT &OPTIONS CONSIDERED

Options Considered In response to the clear and continuing growth in demand for places in Coláiste Feirste, the Governors considered a number of options. 1. Cap Enrolment This option was rejected by the Governors on the basis that it is contrary to the founding principles of the school to pioneer and support the development of Irish Medium Education. It was also rejected on the basis that it would be a denial of parents’ right as per Article 44 of the Education and Libraries Order of 1986, which states the general principle that, so far as compatible with the provision of efficient instruction and training and the avoidance of unreasonable public expenditure, pupils shall be educated in accordance with the wishes of their parents. The Governors were also mindful of the provisions of Article 89 in the 1998 Education Order which places a duty on the Department of Education to encourage and facilitate the development of Irish-medium education.

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The Governors wish to work with the Department to assist them in the fulfilment of this duty. 2. Accommodate within the Existing Site This option has been accepted reluctantly by CF as the least worst option. The CF new school build which was completed in 2018 was designed for a maximum of 600 pupils, which is it already exceeds. Increasing the school intake significantly provides significant challenges to the effective management of the school as a centre of educational excellence. CF agree that it will put up with these challenges on a strictly temporary basis to allow for an intensive site search in north Belfast. The school will need additional accommodation to house the increased numbers on the existing site. It is anticipated that once an alternative site has been procured that the accommodation units would follow the pupils to the north Belfast site. . 3. Establish an off-main site provision in North Belfast In the absence of another Irish medium post primary provider in Belfast, the Governors’ preferred option is to establish another site for Coláiste Feirste, in North Belfast to meet the demand from the feeder primary schools – Gaelscoil Éanna in Glengormley, Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagáin on the Cliftonville Road and Bunscoil Mhic Reachtain in Lancaster Street. Expanding the physical capacity of the school in another area of Belfast would reduce the accommodation pressure on the school on the main Beechmount site while allowing pupils access to the proven high-quality education offered by Coláiste Feirste. It would also be a lower risk approach to the establishment, in the longer term, of a stand-alone, second Irish medium post primary school in Belfast, as envisaged in the Area Plan for Irish Medium Education. In line with the Area Plan, North Belfast was considered to be the optimum location for additional PPIME provision. The area has three vibrant and growing primary schools which could provide adequate pupil numbers for two form classes each year. A significant number of pupils from north Belfast already attend Coláiste Feirste, making a relatively arduous journey to and from school each day, facilitated by two dedicated school buses, assisted financially by DE. A site of Coláiste Feirste in north Belfast would be educationally and financially sustainable in the long-term with pupil numbers from the area set to grow further.Indeed, it is likely that a post-primary provision in north Belfast would attract increased numbers from these feeder schools.

16

Impact on Other Schools The impact on other post primary schools in the area will be minimal on the basis that the projected pupils would wish to enrol in Coláiste Feirste based on historic transfer statistics. Few Irish-medium pupils transfer to non-selective schools in north Belfast. A minority of pupils transfer to grammar schools and this is likely to continue. The projection is that a greater amount of pupils from IME schools will transfer to Coláiste Feirste because of the improvement in standards and the enhanced facilities as well as the local provision in north Belfast. However, there is a projected increase in the total of pupils over the next 5 years attending IME primary school in Belfast, so it is likely that the actual figures from IME transferring to English medium post primary school, both selective and non-selective, will not change very much.Therefore these very small pupil numbers could not affect the sustainability of English-medium schools in the area. In any case the Department’s statutory duty towards the development of IM education is irrespective of any impact on English-medium schools. Compatibility with Irish Medium Area Plan The Area Plan for Irish medium education lays out the clear vision of a second post primary school in north Belfast. The Plan states that over the last five years the total annual combined P1 intake in the area has increased by 41% which represents an annual compound growth rate of 7.1%. It goes on to state that in terms of the Long-Term Enrolments, there are clearly sufficient pupil numbers within the primary sector to justify a second free-standing IM post-primary school within the Belfast area. It concludes that a new Post-primary school could be set up within the coming two years in North Belfast on the basis of a formal collaboration with Coláiste Feirste. Having discussed this proposal with stakeholders in north Belfast we did not sense an appetite to set up an independent post primary at this point. Stakeholders were of the view that they were happy to be a part of Coláiste Feirste and to take advantage of its governance, management structures and quality assurance systems initially, However, in the longer term there is a desire for an independent IME post primary school in north Belfast and the expectation is that as the north Belfast campus is secured and takes root it will lead to the formation of an independent school. The sector’s vision is of two medium sized schools co-operating with each other to deliver the full entitlement framework in Irish in the greater Belfast area.

17

RATIONALE FOR PROPOSAL

Explain the objectives of the proposal and the desired outcomes if approved – for

example to reduce number of available places or to increase enrolment to meet

demand. Detail how this aligns to Departmental policies and consideration given to

Statutory Duties.

The current accommodation capacity on the Coláiste Feirste site is 600 pupils, against the current enrolment of 678 and projected continued growth. It is estimated that by academic year 2020/21, taking a transfer rate of 65% from the Belfast bunscoileanna, the school will have 778 pupils enrolled – almost 30% over the physical capacity of the school. See Appendix I – Projected Pupil Numbers 2018-23. The school had a capital build project completed in 2005 and another in 2018; exhausting the possibility of further development on the present site. Coláiste Feirste is determined to play its role in the future development of Irish-medium secondary education within Belfast. The rapid growth in parental demand for Irish Medium Education at Post Primary level highlights the inadequacy or absence of strategic planning when measured against current provision. Coláiste Feirste wishes to help the Department in its duty to encourage and develop the Post-Primary sector in Belfast. However this must be done in a manner which respects our Irish language ethos and the parental choice which supports it. In proposing an expansion of our student intake (for a limited time period) we must also include proposals which respond to the specific circumstances of the full immersion model which are unique and require bespoke arrangements. In our view this development proposal is only achievable with these arrangements in place.

It should be noted that this proposal derives from the challenges of meeting parental demand for IM post-primary education and the consequent pressure on Coláiste Feirste as the only IM post-primary provision in the greater Belfast area. It represents a short-term fix to a question which requires a broader long-term strategy from DE in line with their statutory obligation to encourage and facilitate IM education. Coláiste Feirste is prepared to assist DE in its fulfilment of this statutory obligation. This proposal should be viewed in the context of catering for the increased demand for IME PPE in Belfast. We can be fairly accurate on the demand for future IME post primary provision by tracking the numbers of pupils attending the IME primary schools in the Belfast region. We have shown three ranges of demand from 60%, 65% and 70% all of which attest to the need for additional capacity in the sector, however, we consider the middle estimate of 65% to be the most likely, based on past trends.

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EDUCATIONAL IMPACT

What are the educational benefits of this proposal?Provision of high quality

education should be the desired outcome of all proposals - outline how this proposal

aims to achieve this outcome. Outline how the proposal will benefit children and

young people in the school(s) and in the area overall.Provide details of how the

specific requirements of pupils with SEN will be catered for under the new

arrangements.

Indicative Curriculum Provision on the north Belfast site Key Stage 3 The KS 3 curriculum will be delivered on site at the campus in north Belfast and with one day at the west Belfast site for practical subjects -PE, Science, Design & Technology, and Home Economics. Online Irish medium E Learning resources will provide additional support to pupils in their personal study time. Curriculum Plan

Year 8:

30 minute periods

Irish x 6

English x 6

Maths x 6

Historyx 4

Learning for Life and Work x 4

Geography x 4

Science x 4

PE x 2

Modern Languages x 2

Music x 2

Home Economics x 2

Art x 2

Technology x 2

Drama x 2

TFC x 2

19

Cover for Teacher Illness Teacher illness will be covered from the 32 periods per week available to the Head of Provisionfor non-teaching duties and from the time allocated to lesson preparation/spare capacity for other teachers. Should teacher illness last more than 2 days, a substitute teacher will be brought in. Should the Head of Provision be ill, additional support will be provided from the main school in terms of management and substitute teacher provision considered earlier. Educational Standards Assurance The Head of Provisionis responsible for assuring educational standards. This will be done through assessments each term, in each subject. Assessments will be monitored and standardised by Heads of Department within Coláiste Feirste and based on assessment of learning and assessment for learning techniques. Assessment data will be compiled on SIMS for each pupil and an electronic profile will be constructed depicting academic progress. Baseline assessments in the form of PtE, PiM and CAT will be utilised in line with Coláiste Feirste’s Assessment Policy which will give an indication of pupil ability. The baseline data will provide a guideline of academic ability and this, along with pastoral information, will ensure a comprehensive approach to success is individualised for each pupil. Progress will be carefully monitored, ensuring the early identification of underachievement as well as low achievement. This is crucial, as when an individual pupil’s progress is below the expected standard, we are committed to utilising all methodology to better understand any underlying issues affecting the child’s performance. This may lead to additional subject support, a meeting with parents or referral to the Special Educational Needs Coordinator. Teaching staff at the north Belfast site will meet monthly with the Heads of Department and Key Stage 3 Head. In addition, the Heads of Department will work closely with subject teachers at the north Belfast site l to monitor teaching competencies and methods. Special Educational Needs Support Provision has been made in the financial forecasts for a fulltime classroom assistant. Responsibility for meeting the special educational needs of pupils at the Junior School will rest with the Special Educational Needs Coordinator at Coláiste Feirste who will direct and support the Classroom Assistant in the north Belfast site. Coláiste Feirste has a dedicated Learning Support Centre with an experienced team of teachers and learning support assistants. The LSC promotes a multi-disciplinary approach, and works with outside agencies to provide the relevant support for all children. Sector specific IME strategies that work for our pupils are employed. The school’s Croífhoghlaim (foundation learning) system is unique to the school. Specific Irish-medium pedagogies and support strategies have been developed for children with difficulties with cognition, SEBD and ASD. Overall, Coláiste Feirste’s vision is that the needs of the individual pupil are central to all the school’s work, and this will

20

be embedded in the new site’s provision with direct governance from Coláiste Feirste. Key Stage 4 This Key Stage 3 provision will continue into Key Stage 4 to offer a broad and varied curriculum to pupils in collaboration with the main west Belfast site. Core subjects comprising 80% of the curriculum will be delivered at the off-site provision in north Belfast with the remaining choices accessed from the 26 subjects currently offered in west Belfast. Post-16 Pupils who have completed their GCSEs will transfer to the Beechmount site to continue their studies at lower sixth form. The transition to the main school site will be relatively seamless, given that there will have been regular contact and engagement on the main site over the preceding 5 years. The travel journey to the main site will be less daunting for 16-year-old children than would otherwise be the case. Pastoral Care The school environment will be one where pupils feel valued and worthwhile as individuals and where they are encouraged to grow both academically and in their wider social skills. Pupils and parents will be supported via Coláiste Feirste’s highly accredited transition program. This journey is already initiated through our excellent relationships with our feeder schools. The children have already attended feeder days from P5, but the intense transition begins with our SENCO and KS3 team meeting the bunscoil principals and relevant staff from May in Rang 7 through gaining individual pupil profiles to plan for the individual needs of each pupil. To ensure easy transition into secondary life, all pupils will have an opportunity to meet over the two campuses during a ‘Taste of the College’ workshop in Rang 7 and will meet again during their two-day induction in August. As part of the Behaviour for Learning Policy, an integral aspect of pastoral vision is to ensure that every pupil feels happy, content, and confident in their learning. As part of this policy, the pupils in the north Belfast site will be made to feel inclusive within the wider Coláiste Feirste community through learning opportunities developed on the Coláiste Feirste main site and through extra-curricular activities. In order to support pupil development each year, classes will be assigned a Form Teacher to oversee their social, physical and intellectual well-being. Each year class will meet with their Form Teacher at the beginning and end of each day. The form teacher will have a direct link with parents and therefore minor pastoral issues can be dealt with accordingly. Any pastoral issues arising will be dealt with directly by the Form Teacher in consultation with the Head of Provision, who in turn will liaise on a regular basis with the Coláiste Feirste Vice Principal with responsibility for pastoral care. The utilisation of SIMS will ensure quick and efficient access to all pupil data on both sites which will ensure that staff have the relevant information on each pupil.

21

It will be the responsibility of the Head of Provision to ensure that all Coláiste Feirste policies such as Child Protection, SEN, Discipline, Bullying, Drugs, Alcohol and Substance Abuse are adhered to on the north Belfast site. In addition to the monitoring of pupil attendance and behaviour by the Head of Provision, the Vice Principal at the main site will oversee any issues arising through the online School Information Management System (SIMS) provided through C2K.

Extended School Activities

Pupils at the north Belfast site will have access to a range of extra-curricular activities available at the main school site. A minibus will be available to take them to the west Belfast site 2 afternoons a week. There will also be provision of an extensive range of after school youth, sport and leisure activities through partnering with Croí Éanna. Croí Éanna has a youth project for Irish speaking teenagers which gets together a few times a week and during the summer for a summer scheme. Gaelscoil Éanna, the Irish medium primary school on the site, and its support group Croí Éanna work closely with St Enda’s GAA to provide sporting, recreational and cultural activities for young Irish speakers outside of school hours during the evenings and weekends. Croí Éanna has fundraised in excess of £1m to build a cultural centre on the St Enda’s site which will be a hub for the school and the GAA members. The centre will be completed by the end of year 2019 and will offer great opportunities for youth and after school activities. It would be a matter for Croí Éanna to scale up so that it will be in a position to cater for the additional numbers of post primary children. However, the structures are in place and can be developed.

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Delivery Model West Belfast Site Until a suitable site is secured the increase in pupil numbers will be catered for on the Beechmount site. It will require the DE to provide an additional four general classrooms for the delivery of the curriculum in the first year. Access to the school canteen will have to be managed in split shifts and classes requiring specialist accommodation such as science, technology and home economics will need to be reassessed and catered for accordingly within the existing constraints. The additional classrooms will take away from the existing hard play area and the school management will need to review current practice in light of the additional numbers. In order for the successful implementation of this development proposal, it will require appropriate and significant support from the DE. This will mean we will have to agree a transitional plan to ensure the expansion in capacity does not weaken the school’s position in any way.

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Additional Staffing Needs The school will employ additional teaching staff with the additional funding for the increased pupil numbers through the common funding formula. As well as that, there will be additional staffing needs to cope with the increased pupil numbers to ensure the linguistic ethos of the school is not diluted and to manage the sharp increase in year 8 pupils. The additional staff will attend to the pastoral needs, maintain positive behaviour and to manage the allocation of resources within the campus. The board of governors is extremely concerned that the cohort of pupils in year 8 and subsequently is assimilated into the school body as seamlessly as possible and given every chance to succeed and not be disadvantaged by external circumstances such as inadequate infrastructure. We anticipate requiring a senior teacher to manage the expanded keystage 3 cohort and another teacher to assist with those duties, with a specific emphasis on supporting inexperienced teachers. There is a significant group of recently appointed teachers in Coláiste Feirste who require additional support to ensure they can cope with the additional challenges of delivering the curriculum through IME in Coláiste Feirste, which draws from some of the most disadvantaged communities in the north, while maintaining their own ongoing professional development. North Belfast Site A new site under the governance of Coláiste Feirste will be established in North Belfast, opening September 2020 or as soon as practicable afterwards when a suitable site has been secured. This will be an integral part of Coláiste Feirste. It will be governed by the same Board of Governors; it will be led by the same Senior Leadership Team; it will be subject to the same policies, practices and procedures. In short, pupils at the north Belfast site will have the same educational experience as every other pupil at Coláiste Feirste. Two additional teachers will be recruited and others will be seconded from the Coláiste Feirste main site in line with pupil numbers, with each new teacher adding to the range of subjects which can be taught on site. Gaps in local provision will be met by a block of time each week at the west Belfast site (max 1 day). School buses will be provided to transport the pupils to the west Belfast site.(At present two buses transport north Belfast pupils to Coláiste Feirste each day. The use of buses will be considerably reduced and eventually ceased under this proposal.) The day at the west Belfast site will offer pupils in north Belfast access to Coláiste Feirste’s modern facilities for Science, Home Economics, Technology, and Sport; and also offer them an opportunity to integrate into the school community.Similarly, it will offer the opportunity for teachers at the north Belfast site to meet with curriculum and pastoral managers and to plan with other teachers. Governance West Belfast While the increase in capacity is catered for on the Beechmount campus all governance issues will fall to the board of governors, who will consult with the main stakeholders on how best to manage the expansion in the school.

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As the increase in capacity will take place on the existing school campus, there are no additional governor or management issues other than the planning required to increase the current staff and reconfiguring curricular and pastoral arrangements. North Belfast The Governance of the north Belfast site will rest with the Board of Governors of Coláiste Feirste. A parent representative from North Belfast will be appointed to the Board of Governors. Management West Belfast While the increase in capacity is being catered for on the Beechmount campus management arrangements will rest with the Principal and the senior management team to cater for the increased numbers and how to mitigate pressures on the existing resources and facilities. North Belfast Three teachers will be deployed from the main west Belfast site to cover pupil needs, including a gender balance and child protection requirements. Any resultant staffing gaps at the main site will be filled as per normal staffing and timetabling procedures. One of these teachers will be at senior teacher grade and will be nominated as “Head of Provision”. This will ensure that additional management responsibilities are not placed on the Coláiste Feirste senior leadership team. Up to two thirds of the Head of Provision’s time will be allocated to pastoral care, curriculum management and school development.The Head of Provision will be appointed in April 2020, or as soon as practicable after a suitable site has been secured to lead the preparations for opening the site in north Belfast. . As “Head of Provision” the teacher will report directly to the Principal at Coláiste Feirste and be a member of the senior leadership team at Coláiste Feirste. He/she will liaise closely with the Vice Principal with regard to pastoral care and with the Senior Teachers with responsibility for performance at KS3 and with the Special Educational Needs Coordinator.

Principal

Vice Principal Pastoral

Year Heads x 6

Pastoral Care

Head of Provision

, N Belfast

Head of KS3

&other duties

Year Heads x 3

+ Standards& achievements

Head of KS4

& other duties

Year Heads x 2

+ Standards& achievements

Head of KS5

&other duties

Year Head x 1

+ Standards& achievements

SENCOVP Curriculum &

Development

24

Teacher Deployment

Year 1– 3 Teachers

M1 M2 M3

Subject Classes Periods Subject Classes Periods Subject Classes Periods

Maths 2 6 English 2 6 Geog 2 4

Irish 1 6 Drama 2 2 Art 2 2

History 2 4 ICT 2 2

Irish 1 6 Music 2 2

LLW 2 4

Spanish 2 2

Total 3 18 Total 7 30 Total 12 32

Teacher 1 is a senior teacher and Head of Provision. To meet child protection requirements, of the other two teachers, one teacher will be male and the other female. Year 2 – 5 Teachers

M1 M2 M3 M4 M5

Subject

Classes

Periods

Subject

Classes

Periods

Subject

Classes

Periods

Subject

Classes

Periods

Subject

Classes

Periods

Maths

3 6 English

4 6 Geog

4 4 History

4 4 Art 4 2

Drama

4 2 Spanish

4 2 Irish 6 4 ICT 4 2

Maths

1 6 Music

4 2 LLW 4 4

Total

3 18 Total

9 38 Total 12 32 Total

10 40 Total

12 32

Year 3– 7 Teachers

M1 M2 M3 M4

Subject

Classes

Periods

Subject

Classes

Periods

Subject

Classes

Periods

Subject

Classes

Periods

Maths

3 6 English

6 6 Geog

6 4 History

6 4

Irish 1 6 Spanish

6 2 Irish 2 6

Total

4 24 Total

6 36 Total

12 36 Total

8 36

25

M5 M6 M7

Subject

Classes

Periods

Subject

Classes

Periods

Subject

Classes

Periods

Art 6 2 Maths 3 6 ICT 6 2

LLW 6 4 Irish 3 6 Drama 6 2

Music 6 2

Total 12 36 Total 6 36 Total 18 36

An indicative timetable for the first year is modelled in Appendix V

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Non-Teaching Staff

Provision has been made in the financial forecasts for:

A fulltime Classroom Assistant to support children with special educational needs.

A fulltime Administrative Officer.

A part-time Caretaker/Cleaner.

RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

Detail finance/resource implications (both capital and recurrent) of the proposal and

approximate costs where available.

Is the proposal cost effective?

Finance – Budget position, impact on budget, cost of proposal.

- A trend analysis of the school’s financial position. This should detail the

school’s end year surplus/deficit position for each of the last five years

and forecast for the current year end.

- Commentary on the financial trend provided.

Staffing – Additional teaching staff required, cost / redeployment, redundancy cost

Transport – Any additional cost

Accommodation – brief description of current accommodation / site, any capital

proposals or minor works applications. Immediate day one minimum capital

requirements should the DP be approved, site suitability to support changes,

estimated cost and timescales for delivery of changes. Note: Approval of a DP does

not automatically attract additional funding or accommodation and that these issues

will be dealt with separately by the Department.

Other issues requiring resources

Trend Analysis Current Financial Position A summary of the last five years, appendix VI - shows Coláiste Feirste being in surplus, albeit a declining surplus.

2015 - £142,000 2016 - £76,000 2017 - £51,000 2018 - £22,000

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For year ending 2019/20 the budget will be in the red by around £85,000 however, the board has been taking action to offset this increase in costs and we expect one or two senior staff members to depart at the end of this academic year, thereby easing some of the budgetary pressure. Considering the pressure on all school budgets and the straitened economic circumstances facing the vast majority of schools in the north the board of Coláiste Feirste has performed soundly to ensure the school is on a solid footing. Start-up Costs North Belfast This is a strategically important project in the development of post-primary Irish-medium education in the North in general and the Greater Belfast area in particular. It is important that the pre-opening phase is supported financially so that it can be properly planned and delivered, ensuring that everything is in place for a successful opening of the new campus in September 2020. To this end, it is proposed that the appointment of Head of Provision is made in April 2020 or as soon as practicable thereafter to be responsible for delivery of the following critical success factors in this pre-opening phase:

Oversight and coordination of site development

Recruitment of proposed staff team

Marketing to prospective parents and pupils

Engagement with feeder primary schools

Establishment of management and teaching protocols. In addition, provision has been made for the appointment of the remaining staff team one month in advance of the campus opening. An indicative list of start-up equipment required is costed in Appendix II. In summary it is: Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Classrooms 6,156 6,156 6,156 Lunchroom 1,548 1,548 1,548 Head of Campus Office 2,544 - - Administration Office 10,330 - - Cleaning 35 - - Miscellaneous 595 - - Total £21,208 £7,704 £7,704

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Running Costs Expenditure is calculated on the basis of actual costs e.g. salaries and estimates for general overheads based on actual expenditure at Coláiste Feirste. A 10% contingency has been provided for in each year. Income Provision has been made for additional income arising from the additional floor area. The campus would also attract Dual Site support but the scale of this income stream is unknown. 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 Expenditure Salaries 128,026 161,662 163,797 165,914 General Overheads 38,882 38,882 38,882 38,882 Transport 4,742 13,927 22,687 27,255 Other recurrent costs 3,350 2,300 7002 950 Contingency 17,500 21,677 22,806 23,500 Total 192,500 238,448 250,872 258,501 Additional Income 1,724 1,724 1,724 1,724 Net Additional Expenditure (190,776) (236,724) (249,148) (256,777) Start Up Equipment Costs (21,208) (7,704) (7,704) Detailed financial forecasts are outlined in Appendix III Accommodation for a Growing Enrolment The minimum provision required is: September 2020 40 Pupils Classrooms x 2, Lunch room, Head Teacher office, Admin Office, Toilets. September 2021 83 Pupils Classrooms x 4, Lunch room, Staff room, Head Teacher office, Admin Office, Toilets. September 2022 128 Pupils Classrooms x 6, Lunch room, Staff room, Head Teacher office, Admin Office, Toilets.

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Proposed Site in north Belfast Various options have been explored and the Project Board concluded that the best option is to locate the new north Belfast campus of Coláiste Feirste on the site owned by St Enda's GAA and adjacent to the site occupied by Gaelscoil Éanna. However, the Infrastructure and Investment Directorate of the DE consider the site unsuitable and have agreed to engage with Coláiste Feirste to identify and secure a suitable site which is capable of long term development. Start Up Costs West Belfast Two additional teachers: One senior management level and one middle management level. Senior Manager £60,000 incl. employer’s cost Middle Manager £50,000 Accommodation Needs Year 1: One block of 4 temporary classrooms and Furniture and Equipment budget Cost: Approximately £450,000 Accommodation Needs Year 2: One block of 4 temporary classrooms and Furniture and Equipment budget Cost: Approximately £450,000

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Projected pupil no.s 2019-24 The overall transfer rate from primary to Year 8 Coláiste Feirste has fluctuated significantly in recent years, generally due to local factors associated with the development of IM primaries but also due to the debate over academic selection. The average transter rate 2014-2019 has been 64.7%. We have estimated the rise in pupil numbers at Coláiste Feirste on a conservative rate of 60% to show sustainability in any case; 65% to show the most likely scenario; and 70% to show the potential growth and subsequent pressures on accommodation and resources. We have used an 80% retention rate between Year 12 and Year 13.

Actual no.s 2013-19 Projected no.s (60% transfer rate)

2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24

Year 8 96 111 103 125 102 98 155 139 134 138 153

Transfer rate

P.7 – Yr 8

57% 66% 61% 73% 65% 56% 74% 60% 60% 60% 60%

Year 9 84 95 112 103 121 102 98 155 147 137 141

Year 10 78 82 97 110 103 119 102 98 155 147 137

Year 11 86 76 80 98 110 101 119 102 98 155 147

Year 12 85 86 76 79 98 112 103 119 102 98 155

Year 13 64 69 72 74 69 80 89 82 95 82 78

Retention

rate

Yr. 12-13

89% 87.1% 87.2% 88.2% 86.1% 81.6% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80%

Year 14 74 60 61 55 54 65 64 71 66 76 66

Retention

rate

Yr. 13-14

93.7 90.8 84.1 74.3 72.9 94.2 80% 80% 80% 80% 80%

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Total 566 579 601 640 658 678 730 766 789 821 862

65% transfer rate

Actual no.s 2013-19 Projected no.s (65% transfer rate)

2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24

Year 8 96 111 103 125 102 98 155 151 146 150 166

Transfer rate

P.7 – Yr 8

57% 66% 61% 73% 65% 56% 75% 65% 65% 65% 65%

Year 9 84 95 112 103 121 102 98 155 151 146 150

Year 10 78 82 97 110 103 119 102 98 155 151 146

Year 11 86 76 80 98 110 101 119 102 98 155 151

Year 12 85 86 76 79 98 112 103 119 102 98 155

Year 13 64 69 72 74 69 80 89 82 95 82 78

Retention

rate

Yr. 12-13

89% 87.1% 87.2% 88.2% 86.1% 81.6% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80%

Year 14 74 60 61 55 54 65 64 71 66 76 66

Retention

rate

Yr. 13-14

93.7 90.8 84.1 74.3 72.9 94.2 80% 80% 80% 80% 80%

32

Total 566 579 601 640 658 678 730 778 813 858 912

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70% Transfer rate

Actual no.s 2013-19 Projected no.s (70% transfer rate)

2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24

Year 8 96 111 103 125 102 98 155 162 157 161 178

Transfer rate

P.7 – Yr 8

57% 66% 61% 73% 65% 56% 75% 65% 65% 65% 65%

Year 9 84 95 112 103 121 102 98 155 162 157 161

Year 10 78 82 97 110 103 119 102 98 155 162 157

Year 11 86 76 80 98 110 101 119 102 98 155 162

Year 12 85 86 76 79 98 112 103 119 102 98 155

Year 13 64 69 72 74 69 80 89 82 95 82 78

Retention

rate

Yr. 12-13

89% 87.1% 87.2% 88.2% 86.1% 81.6% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80%

Year 14 74 60 61 55 54 65 64 71 66 76 66

Retention

rate

Yr. 13-14

93.7 90.8 84.1 74.3 72.9 94.2 80% 80% 80% 80% 80%

Total 566 579 601 640 658 678 730 789 835 891 957

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Appendix 1

No. of pupils in feeder bunscoileanna in greater Belfast area 2019

No. of pupils in feeder bunscoileanna in greater Belfast area 2019 - 2025

DE Ref Scoil R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7

1016647 Bunscoil Mhic Reachtain 11 16 18 15 15 10 14

1046501 Bunscoil Phobal Feirste 49 51 55 44 42 42 33

1046571 Gaelscoil Na Bhfal 26 26 28 24 26 28 20

1046593 Bunscoil An Tsleibhe Dhuibh 30 27 27 22 28 29 22

1046596 Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagain 21 28 26 23 17 18 11

1046641 Scoil An Droichid 25 28 22 18 22 17 18

1046671 Gaelscoil na Mona 22 16 13 18 15 16 12

1046672 Gaelscoil an Lonnain 6 9 7 10 8 13 9

3046684 Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach 18 13 6 11 9 11 11

3046685 Gaelscoil Eanna 21 26 27 25 27 27 33

4046600 Scoil na Fuiseoige 17 20 26 20 15 21 22

Year Group Total 246 260 255 230 224 232 205

Transferring Sept 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019

36

INDICATIVE START - UP EQUIPMENT COSTS North Belfast Appendix II £ Classrooms: 45 Pupils.

25 double pupil desks @ £50 1250

50 chairs @ £16 800

2 teacher desks and pedestal @ £128 256

2 chairs @£88 176

2 electronic/interactive white boards and projectors @ £1750 3500

2 inkjet printers @£75 150

2 wastepaper bins @ £12 24 The above costs are repeated in years 2 and 3. 6156

Lunchroom

9 collapsible canteen tables @ £35 315

50 stacking chairs @ £16 800

50 dinner sets & cutlery 300

4 large waste bins @ £30 120

2 tea/coffee pots @ £6.25 13 The above costs are repeated in years 2 and 3. 1548

Head of Provision Office

Office Desk and drawer pedestal 218

office chair 88

small meeting table 99

4 meeting chairs @ £50 200

filing cabinet 65

bookcase 139

desktop pc and software 1500

laser printer 200

In tray £5, desk tidy £3, stapler £5, paper punch £10 23

37

Wastepaper bin 12 2544

Admin Office

Telephone system and 3 extensions 2000

2 office desks and drawer pedestal @ £218 436

2 office chairs @ £88 176

2 standard chairs @ £16 32

2 desktop pc and software @ £1500 3000

Heavy duty laser printer 500

Photocopier 2500

2 filing cabinets @ £65 130

2 storage cupboards @ £139 278

2 x In tray £5, desk tidy £3, stapler £5, paper punch £10 46

Heavy duty paper punch 40

Heavy duty stapler 30

Document binder 500

Shredder 500

mail pigeon hole stack 138

2 Wastepaper bins 24 10330

Cleaning

floor brush and shovel 10

yard brush and shovel 10

mop and bucket 15 35

Miscellaneous

Data projector 364

Projector trolley 76

Screen 50

38

Wall clocks X 5 @ £5 25

Ist Aid kit x 2 @ £40 80 595 Total Start up Equipment Cost Year 1 £21,208 Total Start Up Equipment Cost Year 2 £7,704 Total Start Up Equipment Cost Year 3 £7,704

39

40

Colaiste Feirste - Junior School Campus - Financial Forecast - Appendix III

Expenditure Note Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4

2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24

Teaching salaries 1 92437 107286 108222 109163

Non Teaching salaries 2 35589 54376 55575 56751

Sub Total Salaries 128026 161662 163797 165914

Rent 35000 35000 35000 35000

Electricity 1000 1000 1000 1000

Gas 1000 1000 1000 1000

Toilet requisites 300 300 300 300

Cleaning Materials 350 350 350 350

Window Cleaning 60 60 60 60

Buildings Maintenance 500 500 500 500

Waste Collection 672 672 672 672

Sub Total General Overheads 3 38882 38882 38882 38882

Transport costs 4 4742 13927 22687 27255

Advertising 5 1500 0 0 0

Photocopying 750 1000 1250 1500

Postage 100 200 300 300

Telephone 500 600 650 650

Hospitality 250 250 250 250

Sundry 250 250 250 250

Sub Total Other Recurrent 6 3350 2300 2700 2950

Contingency 10% 17500 21677 22806 23500

Total Expenditure 192500 238448 250872 258501

Income

Premises 7 1724 1724 1724 1724

Dual Site Support 8 unknown unknown unknown unknown

Total Income 1724 1724 1724 1724

Net Expenditure 190776 236724 249148 256777

41

Expenditure Note Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4

2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24

1. Teacher Salaries

Head of Campus UPS 3 37870 38249 38631 39017

5 management points 12272 12272 12272 12272

Employer NIC 5695 5809 5862 5915

Super annuation 17.7% 8875 8942 9010 9078

64712 65272 65775 66282

Teacher 2

Starting point M6 8 months Year 1 21673 32834 33162 33494

Employer NIC 2216 3368 3415 3459

Superannuation 17.7% 3836 5812 5870 5928

27725 42014 42447 42881

Total Teaching Salaries 1 92437 107286 108222 109163

2. Non Teaching Salaries

Classroom Asst

Starting Pt 14 8 months Year 1 11187 17072 17419 17772

Employer NIC 768 1192 1251 1290

Superannuation 20% 2237 3414 3484 3554

14192 21678 22154 22616

Admin Officer

Starting Pt 14 8 months Year 1 11187 17072 17419 17772

Employer NIC 768 1192 1251 1290

Superannuation 20% 2237 3414 3484 3554

14192 21678 22154 22616

Caretaker/Cleaner 20 hrs/week

Starting Pt. 14 8 months Year 1 5964 9105 9290 9478

Employer NIC 48 94 119 146

Superannuation 20% 1193 1821 1858 1895

7205 11020 11267 11519

Total Non Teaching Salaries 2 35589 54376 55575 56751

3. General Overheads

General overheads are based on actual expenditure at Colaiste Feirste pro rata based on floor area.

4. Transport Costs

Bus to main site and return, one day per week for each year group for 39 weeks @ £215 based on Ulsterbus quote.

General provision for educational trips.

Provision for mileage expenses for 2 round trips per week for Head of Campus or other teacher.

2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24

Main site day 4192 12577 20962 25155

Educational trips 250 750 1125 1500

Teacher travel expenses @45p/mile 300 600 600 600

4742 13927 22687 27255

5. Advertising 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24

Recruitment 1500 0 0 0

1500 0 0 0

6. Other Recurrent Costs

Based on actual expenditure at Colaiste Feirste pro rata based on floor area.

42

Income Analysis

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24

7. Premises 200sqm x £8.62 1724 1724 1724 1724 Total Premises 1724 1724 1724 1724

8. Dual Site Support Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown

43

DETAILED TIMETABLE YEAR 1 Appendix IV Timetable 2020/ 2021 Three Teachers M1 M2 M3. M1 is Head of Campus. Year 8

Please note that M1 (Head of School ) is being kept at 18 teaching periods as a result of management duties.

44

8A Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Rang

Foirme

Registration

M2

Registration

M2

Registration

M2

Registration

M2

Registration

M2

1 LLW

M3

English

M2

Maths

M1

Coláiste

Feirste

Maths

M1

45

2 LLW

M3

English

M2

Maths

M1

Coláiste

Feirste

Maths

M1

3 History

M2

LLW

M3

English

M2

Coláiste

Feirste

History

M2

4 History

M2

LLW

M3

English

M2

Coláiste

Feirste

History

M2

5 Music

M3

Irish

M1

Irish

M1

Coláiste

Feirste

Irish

M1

46

6 Music

M3

Irish

M1

Irish

M1

Coláiste

Feirste

Irish

M1

7 Spanish

M3

Art

M3

Geog

M3

Coláiste

Feirste

Geog

M3

8 Spanish

M3

Art

M3

Geog

M3

Coláiste

Feirste

Geog

M3

9 English

M2

Maths

M1

ICT

M3

Coláiste

Feirste

Drama

M2

10 English

M2

Maths

M1

ICT

M3

Coláiste

Feirste

Drama

M2

47

Rang

Foirme

Registration

M2

Registration

M2

Registration

M2

Registration

M2

Registration

M2

8B Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Rang

Foirme

Registration

M3

Registration

M3

Registration

M3

Registration

M3

Registration

M3

48

1 History

M2

Art

M3

Spanish

M3

Coláiste

Feirste

Geog

M3

2 History

M2

Art

M3

Spanish

M3

Coláiste

Feirste

Geog

M3

3 Music

M3

English

M2

Geog

M3

Coláiste

Feirste

ICT

M3

4 Music

M3

English

M2

Geog

M3

Coláiste

Feirste

ICT

M3

5 English

M2

Irish

M2

LLW

M3

Coláiste

Feirste

English

M2

49

6 English

M2

Irish

M2

LLW

M3

Coláiste

Feirste

English

M2

7 Irish

M2

Maths

M1

Irish

M2

Coláiste

Feirste

History

M2

8 Irish

M2

Maths

M1

Irish

M2

Coláiste

Feirste

History

M2

9 Maths

M1

Drama

M2

Maths

M1

Coláiste

Feirste

LLW

M3

50

10 Maths

M1

Drama

M2

Maths

M1

Coláiste

Feirste

LLW

M3

Rang

Foirme

Registration

M3

Registration

M3

Registration

M3

Registration

M3

Registration

M3

51

52

Appendix V Coláiste Feirste

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Income £ £ £ £ £ £

Budget allocated 2,690,802

2,782,104

2,930,043

3,255,007

3,323,356

Br.Fwd. 134,401

142,202

76,681

51,319

2,690,802

2,916,505

3,072,245

3,331,688

3,374,675

Expenditure Salary costs:-

Teaching 1,934,641

2,089,557

2,271,742

2,409,309

2,530,379

Non Teaching 205,855

257,905

275,893

295,333

296,094

2,140,496

2,347,461

2,547,635

2,704,642

2,826,473

Recurring Expenditure

Teaching materials/stationery

42,050

64,802

60,168

32,353

17,855

Other costs 373,855

362,040

387,761

421,490

492,941

Capital Expenditure

121,883

15,086

2,556,401

2,774,303

2,995,564

3,280,369

3,352,355

53

C.Fwd. 134,401

142,202

76,681

51,319

22,320

17 10 19 DP 590 Colaiste Feirste - letter to affected schools (2)DP 590 Colaiste Feirste - DP - October 2019Case for Change - October 2019