Education Minister Paul Givan has announced that three major school construction projects will move forward to the planning and design phase, unlocking a total capital investment exceeding £200 million.

The schemes, which were originally announced in 2022 but subsequently paused due to budgetary constraints, cover major works at Belfast High School in Newtownabbey, Ballyclare High School in Ballyclare, and St Brigid's College in Londonderry.

Capital Investment Breakdown

Beneficiary Schools: Belfast High School, Ballyclare High School, St Brigid's College.

Total Estimated Capital: Over £200 million across the three sites.

Project Status: Advancing to design and planning stages following 2022 funding pause.

Primary Objective: Replacing dilapidated, end-of-life school buildings with modern, purpose-built educational facilities.

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Speaking during a visit to Ballyclare High School, Education Minister Paul Givan stated: "I am pleased to be delivering the good news here at Ballyclare High School today that three major works projects will now advance in planning. The capital investment across the three schools when the projects are delivered will be over £200m.

"These schools have been in need of significant capital investment for a number of years. Their buildings are in extremely poor condition and have seen little or no investment. We are now a step closer to the development of modern school facilities that are fit for purpose and that will better support the learning and development needs of young people in these three schools for generations to come.

"Whilst this is welcome progress, I recognise that there are many other schools in need of significant investment. The education system is facing a capital funding crisis that must be addressed.

"I will continue to manage capital expenditure very carefully and prioritise those most in need. Decades of underfunding has left much of our schools' estate in very poor condition. I will of course continue to make thecase for increased and sustained capital investment across our schools' estate."

The Department of Education will oversee the procurement and design phase as each school progresses towards formal statutory planning submissions.