Dickson to Bring Education Minister on Tour of East Antrim Schools in Bid to Secure Improvements

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, is delighted that the Minister for Education has agreed to accompany him on a visit to both Carrickfergus Academy and Larne High School.

Mr Dickson said: “Carrickfergus Academy is in desperate need of a new school building, whilst Larne High requires a major capital project, if not a new building as well, depending on the results of a survey of the existing building.”

Mr Dickson undertook a visit to the schools himself recently, and was appalled at the state of several school buildings. Many of which were built more than half a century ago and are no longer fit for purpose.

He said: “I have long advocated for better school facilities in East Antrim, but there is no better way of demonstrating the full extent of the constituencies needs than by physically showing the Minister the current state of the premises we are asking our teachers to teach in, and our students to study in.

“Carrickfergus Academy and Larne High do a wonderful job of educating and supporting our young people. However, the dilapidation of their premises is hindering future development, and their ability to provide a nurturing environment for the students to learn in.

“The sooner the visit can be arranged, the sooner the Minister can see this dilapidation for herself, and the sooner we can deliver for our young people. That is why I am so pleased with the Minister’s acceptance of our invitation, and I will be working with her officials to set up the tours as soon as possible.”