Calls for a new-build school for Markethill High – after years of campaigning for improved facilities and Sixth Form provision – have been raised on the floor of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
And “continued progress” on previously-approved accommodation for a new-build in the neighbouring town of Tandragee have also been flagged.
Tandragee Junior High has already advanced to the appointment of integrated teams to deliver its promised new school.
So it was an additional boost when the school learned that it had been included in further funding confirmed by Education Minister Paul Givan.
That is to deliver a new synthetic sports pitch.
While the news has met the approval of Newry and Armagh MLA Gareth Wilson – a former pupil at Tandragee – the DUP representative has also raised the need for additional funding to deliver buildings and facilities which he believes Markethill High also deserves.
Raising the matter of the new pitch provision for Tandragee in the Assembly on Tuesday morning, Mr Wilson said: “This is, of course, a welcome development, and it follows the decision by the Education Minister to commit to a new-build project for the school.
“It is exciting news for Tandragee Junior High School. I am a past pupil of the school who, on many a wet afternoon, played on a muddy grass pitch. The vision of a new, all-purpose, synthetic surface is a real game changer for the school.
“It is also important that progress continues to be made on forward planning for the new-build, which will be an exciting new resource. The securing of a new-build for Tandragee Junior High School and the new commitment by the Minister for a synthetic sports pitch represent a real and purposeful investment in education provision in the area.
“It is certainly a seal of approval for the well-cherished Dickson plan that Tandragee Junior High School so ably caters for.”
While welcoming the investment secured for the “specific site” in Tandagee, Mr Wilson said, as a Newry and Armagh representative, he was also “very committed” to continuing to lobby for Markethill High School, where he praised principal Colin Berry and his team for all their efforts.
“There is a real and pressing need for investment in that site on the Mowhan Road,” he said.
“Markethill High School continues to perform impressively as an education provider. The Minister has visited the school on a number of occasions, and I have been in communication with him again in recent days on continuing work on that development requirement.
“Markethill High School deserves investment, and I will continue to make the case for that.
“The school is highly cherished in the town and, indeed, for miles around. It is a top-quality provider, and the principal, Mr Berry, and all the staff work tirelessly to make the educational journey for pupils inspiring and informative, which is seen in the consistent results of the pupils.
“That enthusiasm and success needs to be rewarded with investment in the site. I will continue to make the case to the Minister for that important resource in the days ahead.”
