A proposal to close St Patrick’s Primary School in Burrenreagh, outside Castlewellan, has drawn opposition from local SDLP councillor Laura Devlin.

The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) published the plan earlier this month through the Education Authority. It sets a closure date of 31 August 2026 or as soon as possible after that date.

CCMS cited the school's low enrolment of 11 pupils for 2025/26, against an approved capacity of 95. The CCMS Education Provision Committee reviewed sustainability at a January meeting and advanced the closure from an earlier proposed date of 31 August 2027.

Devlin voiced support for keeping the rural school open. She plans to write to CCMS requesting a review of the decision.

The councillor stated that the school holds value for the local community and aids rural life. She argued that education decisions should account for more than pupil numbers, including access, travel and community needs in rural areas.