A seaside County Down high school, facing closure, has failed in its bid to gain integrated status from the Education Minister.

The development proposal for Donaghadee High could have saved the school, which has served the local community for decades. But it now look certain plans to close the comprehensive will take effect from September 2009.

Explaining her decision Minister Caitríona Ruane said: "I recognise the considerable amount of work undertaken by the school and the parents in bringing forward this proposal.

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"I appreciate this news will be disappointing, but every Development Proposal for transformation to integrated status is carefully considered against a number of criteria, one of which is the capability of the school to achieve a community balance of 10% of the minority religion in the first year intake and 30% of the total enrolment in the longer term.

"It is not evident that the school could meet this for a successful transformation."

The South Eastern Education and Library Board published the development proposal in February. The plans illustrated a system of acquiring controlled integrated status for the school, which would take effect from this September.

The high school now faces closure, with staff and over 210 pupils having to relocate.

(PR/JM)