Major sports boost for two Ballymena schools with new synthetic pitches

Two Ballymena schools have secured funding for new synthetic sports pitches following successful applications to the Department of Education, a move welcomed by North Antrim DUP MLA Paul Frew as a significant boost to sports provision in local schools.

Cambridge House Grammar School and Slemish College have both been approved for new facilities under Department of Education capital programmes, aimed at strengthening physical education, sport and wider wellbeing as part of the school curriculum.

Mr Frew said he had worked closely with both schools and the education minister to highlight the need for improved sports facilities in the North Antrim area.

He said:

“I have worked well and closely with the schools to lobby for better provision and I’m glad that the education minister has recognised the value of Sports and Physical education within the curriculum.

“I have worked extensively with the Minister to impress on him the need in the North Antrim area and I’m delighted we have made it onto the list.

“Regarding Cambridge House, the Principal and I met with the Minister in Parliament Buildings on Tuesday 10 June 2025 along with officials and the Minister was really receptive to the needs of the school.

“We look forward to the next steps and determining key details in the design stage.”

Cambridge House Grammar School

A spokesperson for Cambridge House Grammar School confirmed the school will receive a new synthetic hockey pitch through the Curriculum Capital Programme, describing the announcement as a major boost for pupils.

The spokesperson said:

“We are delighted to confirm that we have received confirmation from the Minister of Education that Cambridge House is to receive a synthetic hockey pitch through the Curriculum Capital Programme.

“Fantastic news for the school and in particular for our hockey teams.”

The new facility is expected to support curriculum delivery while also enhancing sporting opportunities for students across the school.

Slemish College

Slemish College has also been selected to receive a new synthetic sports pitch, funded through the Department of Education’s Curriculum-Led Capital Investment Programme.

A spokesperson for the school said the investment would have long-term benefits for pupils and the wider school community.

They said:

“We’re delighted to share that our school has been selected to receive a new synthetic sports pitch through the Department of Education’s Curriculum-Led Capital Investment Programme!

“This significant investment will provide our students with a modern, high-quality facility that will enhance PE, sport, wellbeing, and outdoor learning for many years to come. It’s a fantastic boost to our school campus and supports the wider curriculum aims highlighted in the Department’s announcement.

“Thank you to everyone who helped support the application. We’re excited to see the project take shape and to watch our school community benefit from this fantastic new development.”

The new pitches are expected to support not only physical education and organised sport, but also wider wellbeing and outdoor learning, benefiting pupils, staff and school communities for years to come.