Stop the closure of Killowen Primary School

To: Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS)

We call on the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) to withdraw its proposal to close Killowen Primary School and to work with local parents, governors, and parish representatives to identify a fair and sustainable way forward for Catholic education in Kilbroney Parish.

The proposal ignores the fact that there are not enough school places in Kilbroney Parish to accommodate all Catholic children if Killowen PS were to close. St Bronagh's PS is already near or at capacity in several year groups.

Killowen PS is an important part of our parish life — a small school with a big heart that supports children with additional needs, provides full-time reception places for working families, and serves as a community hub for Killowen and Lisnacree.

We urge CCMS to listen to local voices and protect Catholic education in our rural community.

Our School's Legacy

Established in 1828 - Killowen Primary School has nearly 200 years of history serving Catholic education in our rural community. Our mission of "Faith, Friendship & Understanding" guides everything we do, fostering kindness, respect, resilience, and excellence.

The Capacity Problem

St Bronagh's PS does not have enough capacity to accommodate all Catholic children if Killowen closes. No plan has been presented to create additional space or staffing, leaving families without adequate school places.

Essential Community Services

Killowen PS provides vital full-time reception education and inclusive support for children with additional needs. We serve as a community hub for Killowen and Lisnacree, supporting working families who depend on our services.

Rural Education Under Threat

This proposal threatens the only rural Catholic primary school in Kilbroney Parish. CCMS has failed to consider key impacts including travel distance, loss of early-years provision, and the needs of our rural community.

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Join the campaign to save our historic school

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School Closure Objection Form

Help strengthen our case by providing detailed feedback on how the closure would impact you and the community.

Educational Impact *

What impact would amalgamation have on the quality of teaching? (e.g. class sizes, overcrowding, loss of support)

Transportation & Safety *

How do you or your household usually get around locally? (e.g. how do your children travel to school, do you have any concerns about traffic or congestion, how might this affect you?)

Community & Social Impact *

How does your school support local community? (e.g. parish, events, links to wider community i.e. nursing homes, work in local area, beach cleans & community garden).

Economic Considerations *

Do you think the proposed school changes might affect the local rural area and its future growth, or possibly deter people from the area due to a lack of a local primary school?

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Children and their Rights

If relevant, how are your child's SEN needs currently met and supported?

How would the proposed school closure affect you personally? *

Do you or your family have a personal history with the school, why is it important to you and your community?

Final Reflections *

What is one key reason you think the school should stay open (e.g. space available for children i.e. playground & anything decision makers should consider/know about your community)

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