AQW 45810/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 08/05/2026
Answered On Date: 02/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail any steps being taken to increase primary one capacity at Oakwood School and Assessment Centre, Saintfield, for September 2026.

Answer:

The Education Authority (EA) has been exploring options to expand primary one capacity at Oakwood School and Assessment Centre, Saintfield, including the potential acquisition of adjacent land to increase the school's footprint. However, the current financial climate presents a significant challenge to progressing these plans.

Regarding September 2026 specifically, the EA has initiated a project to deliver additional accommodation at Oakwood School and Assessment Centre, Saintfield. The acquisition process is progressing however construction works cannot commence until this process has concluded. Current delivery estimations show that this project will provide capacity for the intake of pupils within the next academic year.

EA continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders to expedite works where possible.