To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 45810/22-27, to detail further information on the project to deliver additional accommodation at Oakwood School and Assessment Centre, Saintfield for September 2026.

The Education Authority (EA) is currently progressing two separate schemes at Oakwood School and Assessment Centre, Saintfield.

The first involves the proposed acquisition of land adjacent to the school to facilitate the expansion of the Saintfield campus. This proposal remains at an early stage of technical assessment, and I am therefore not in a position at this stage to confirm the nature of the accommodation which may be delivered. This scheme will not provide any additional accommodation for September 2026.

Separately, the EA is progressing a scheme to acquire and refurbish the modular unit located on the site previously occupied by the former Little Sunbeams Pre-School. This project will support the establishment of nursery provision and is expected to be completed in time for September 2027.