Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 January 2006.

Northern Ireland: Brownlow College

Question: Whether they have consulted the Southern Education and Library Board about the further development of Brownlow College; and, if so, with what result.

Answer: Brownlow Integrated College is a controlled integrated school and as such it is a matter for the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) to formulate and to consult as appropriate, on proposals for the development of the college.The SELB published a development proposal for the establishment of sixth form provision at Brownlow Integrated College on 26 May 2005.The proposal included an intention to provide sixth form courses in collaboration with Lismore Comprehensive College and the Upper Bann of Further and Higher Education (UBIFHE) The school proposed to utilise accommodation in the school currently occupied by Craigavon Teachers’ Centre for the sixth form.An examination of the proposal did not convince the department that sufficient consideration and planning had been given to the issue. The college proposed to initially offer 10 academic A-level courses, which are also available in various combinations through other local post-primary and further education providers. The department has also reservations about the viability of the sixth form and the proposal failed to provide sufficient statistical evidence to support the view that numbers could be sustained. The college had been advised in detail of the reasons for the proposal being turned down.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 3020; 677 c64-5WA
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Sixth form education Southern Education and Library Board Brownlow Integrated College