AROUND 40 schools across the North of Ireland could be set to close or merge, according to Education Authority (EA) plans.
Its 2017/18 action plan sets out a strategy for changes to the number and nature of schools.
It identifies and names around 40 schools where “sustainability is an issue” across the 11 council areas.
However, any decision to close or merge schools would be subject to consultation.
The EA’s director of education, John Collings, said the North of Ireland had too many schools, particularly primary schools.
“We must maximise the use of the schools’ estate through sharing and co-operation to ensure that the educational experiences of our young people are the best they can be,” he said.
“This will also help reduce duplication and ensure efficient use of resources.”
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