Big day for Cookstown school as it moves into new home

AN integrated school in Cookstown has officially moved into its new home.

Education Minister, Paul Givan has opened a state-of-the-art building for Phoenix Integrated Primary School, Cookstown.

The £7.3 million project, funded through the Fresh Start Programme supported by the UK Government, will provide a new seven class-base school and single nursery unit.

The Cookstown school opened 20 years ago.

Speaking at the official opening of the new building, Mr Givan described the new facilities as ‘magnificent’.

“The investment of over £7.3 million will help to improve the school experience for pupils, staff and the wider Phoenix Integrated Primary School community now and for years to come.

“The opening of any new school building is something to be celebrated and these new facilities can only inspire children from the Cookstown area and beyond.

“This investment also signifies my Department’s confidence in the success, importance and future of everyone involved with Phoenix Integrated Primary School.”

The Minister continued: “I would like to commend staff, pupils, parents and the Board of Governors for their perseverance and patience over the last number of years as the project team has taken the work through the various stages to where we are now. A fantastic, new, state of the art building.

“I wish the staff and school management every success for the future in their new facilities as they advance on their education journey.”

Construction on the site began in January 2023 and was completed in August 2024.