DEC plan to introduce high school catchment areas

The Department of Education and Children wants to restrict pupils' options when choosing their secondary school.

Figures show the Department has enough school places for all the children on the Island, but that demand is higher at some schools than at others.

It's expected that year seven at St Ninian's could be oversubscribed in the future, whilst Ballakermeen would have spare places.

The school catchment area order will go before this month's sitting of Tynwald.

Education and Children Minister Eddie Teare says the shortage at St Ninian's isn't due to the under-construction Bemahague School being too small [play clip]

Eddie Teare MHK

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