Education Minister opens new facilities at Kirkinriola Primary School in Ballymena

Northern Ireland’s Education Minister Paul Givan was warmly welcomed to Kirkinriola Primary School on Wednesday, June 4, to officially open new multi-purpose rooms and an expanded resource space, marking a significant development in the school’s ongoing commitment to modern education.

The visit, hosted by North Antrim MLA Paul Frew, provided an opportunity for the Minister to meet with Principal Emily McCaffery, Vice Chair of Governors Richard Nevin, members of the teaching staff, the Parent Teacher Association, and pupils.

Local representative Paul Frew MLA (DUP) also joined the visit, facilitating discussions on the school’s facilities and future aspirations.

During the visit, Minister Givan toured the school and engaged with stakeholders on a range of educational matters, including accommodation needs and forward planning.

Speaking after the event, Paul Frew MLA praised the school’s positive learning environment and the dedication of its staff and governors.

“Kirkinriola Primary School is such a positive space for young minds and that’s why I was delighted when the Education Minister took up my invitation to come to Kirkinriola PS to see for himself and to meet the dedicated Principal and staff alongside the fantastic Governors and Parents who put so much effort into educating our young people and supporting them for this modern age,” Mr Frew said.

He added that the official opening of the new facilities signified major progress for the school and the local community.

“There have been gigantic positive strides made over the past number of years, and this was illustrated when the Minister officially opened the new multi-purpose rooms and resource space.”

The visit also provided a platform for discussions about future development, particularly around early years education and physical education infrastructure.

One of the key topics raised was the proposal for a new multi-purpose sports hall, which Mr Frew believes would align with Minister Givan’s own policy direction on improving physical education in schools.

“The Principal Emily McCaffery and I also took the opportunity to discuss the future provision for early years development in the school and the much-needed proposed multi-purpose Sports hall which would align with the Education Minister’s own policy development and progress around physical education,” Mr Frew explained.

Looking ahead, Frew noted that Kirkinriola Primary School is approaching a major anniversary in 2029.

“The school will reach a massive milestone and a big birthday in 2029; wouldn’t it be great if those celebrations took place in the new hall?”

The visit has been widely welcomed by the school community as a sign of continued investment and support for rural primary education in Northern Ireland.