Email from St Patrick's Grammar School for P.6&7 pupils and their families

Good Morning P7 Parent(s)/Guardian(s)  

I hope this email finds you well and safe in these difficult times. 

The Admission Criteria for Year 8 entry to St. Patrick’s Grammar School in September 2021 was published on Tuesday 2 February.  

This came shortly after the Education Authority published Development Proposals (DP) 604-607 on 27 January to close three schools in Downpatrick, including St. Patrick’s Grammar, and open a new 1600+ ‘Voluntary Grammar School’ with up to 40% admitted via academic selection on 1 September 2021.  

I am sure that you have questions about admission and the future of education in Downpatrick. We want to offer our support and advice and answer any questions, particularly for those with children in P6 and below that will be affected if the Education Minister approves the proposal.  

We are aware that many parents will be anxious, and we want to bring as much clarity as we can to the situation to inform your decision making. Please contact us directly if we can help in any way – info@stpatricks.downpatrick.ni.sch.uk 

Please remember that we are hosting our virtual Q&A session at 7pm on Thursday 25 February. Please contact my PA, Mrs J Reid to book a place - jreid156@c2kni.net 

Joe McCann 

Principal 

St. Patrick's Grammar School 

Downpatrick