Schools across West Tyrone are grappling with substantial budget shortfalls, according to newly released Department of Education figures. More than 30 schools in the constituency are operating in deficit, with two Omagh post-primary institutions carrying deficits exceeding £2 million each.

Sacred Heart College and Omagh High School are both more than £2 million in the red. Strabane Academy has accumulated a £2.6 million deficit. Other significant shortfalls include St Mary’s Primary School in Killyclogher and Omagh Academy, each approaching £800,000.

The data, released in response to an Assembly question from SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan, does not cover voluntary grammar or grant-maintained integrated schools such as Omagh CBS, Loreto Grammar School, or Drumragh Integrated College.

Michael Gormley, principal of Sacred Heart College, described a financial landscape shaped by forces outside school control. He cited inflationary pressures and the unavoidable costs of staffing, heating, lighting, and entering pupils for public examinations as key factors. He noted that the cost of running a school has risen sharply over the past decade.

Omagh High School principal Christos Gaitatzis pointed to falling pupil numbers and reduced per-pupil funding as additional strains. He said cleaning costs alone have nearly doubled from £50,000 to £96,000 per year for a similar level of service, while staffing and other expenses have also climbed with inflation.

Mr McCrossan stated that the figures illustrate chronic underfunding that is affecting children’s education, and he commended school communities who regularly contribute their own resources to fill gaps.