A new special school in Belfast was officially opened yesterday following completion of works.

The Deanby Centre Special School was established in September 2024 on the site of the former Our Lady's Primary School in north Belfast, following a programme of works to refurbish nine classrooms, corridors and create sensory, therapy and hygiene rooms along with external safeguarding works to repurpose the former mainstream school building to meet the requirements of Special Educational Needs pupils.

The classrooms were refurbished at a cost of nearly £1 million to accommodate 72 pupils with severe learning difficulties ranging in age from nursery to Key Stage 2. 

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Speaking at the official opening of the new facilities, Education Minister Paul Givan said: "It was great to be able to be here today to see what has been achieved in a relatively short period of time.

"It could have only been accomplished as a result of the clear vision, leadership and dynamic thinking of all involved.

"The challenges in providing sufficient and appropriate special education provision are well recognised. To be able to re-purpose a recently vacated school premises and so swiftly into a special school has essentially provided a road map for the future."

The Minister continued: "I would like to commend the work of all those involved to ensure the Centre was in a position to open in September and the Diocese of Down and Conor for making the premises available for the school.

"I have very much enjoyed seeing the pupils and staff in action and I wish you every success for the future."

Education Authority (EA) Chief Executive Richard Pengelly added: "This is a testament to the commitment of my colleagues across EA to ensuring that the needs of all children and young people with Special Educational Needs are met."