Singer Van Morrison’s former school to shut next year

THE secondary school where Van Morrison was educated is to shut its doors next year, it has been revealed.

It will be ‘school’s out’ for the last time next August when Orangefield High finally locks the doors due to falling pupil numbers.

The school, at Cameronian Drive in east Belfast, currently has 240 pupils on its books.

It is understood the board of governors is to ask the Belfast Education Board to submit a proposal to close the school at the end of the academic year.

A decision will then be made by the education minister, but given low pupil numbers and poor exam results, he is likely to approve closure.

Parents of pupils at the school have been consulted about where they want their children to be educated after next year.

Orangefield High School to shut next year

A spokesman for the BELB said: “The BELB understands that the board of governors of Orangefield High School intend to bring forward a proposal to cease education provision at the school as of 31 August 2013.

“When received, the BELB will consider the proposal and act in the best educational interests of the children at all times.

“The BELB also recognises its responsibility and duty of care to all its employees.”