Donaghadee High will close its doors in August next year, as the education board deemed the school no longer sustainable.
Minister Caitronia Ruane said: "The school has provided an important service to the community of Donaghadee and wider afield, but in recent years there has been a fall in numbers attending.
"Unfortunately the school is no longer sustainable and I must consider the best interests of the pupils currently enrolled. Closing a school is never an easy decision to take but the needs of the pupils cannot be met in a school in decline."
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The Development Proposal will ensure no more pupils will be admitted into Year 8 this month.
However, in view of the lateness of the decision the SEELB has asked for the Development Proposal to be modified to allow for the retention of Year 8 pupils already admitted.
"I fully endorse this action as I recognise the anxiety currently facing pupils and parents who are anticipating that places in alternative post-primary schools will have to be secured this term," added Ms Ruane.
The Minister said that there is no shortage of places for pupils transferring to post-primary education in the North Down area and her decision was based purely in the interests of Year 8 pupils and their parents to avoid disruption to their first year of post-primary education.
(PR/JM)
