The Principal of the Royal School Dungannon has issued a statement in response to recent news of redundancies among non-teaching staff, which states that the measures their school has taken are “reflective of a wider crisis in Northern Ireland”.
Armagh I contacted Royal School Dungannon after it was announced that six members of staff had received correspondence relating to a redundancy process.
In June of this year, the school’s financial situation became the subject of news reports which asserted that cost-saving measures were to implemented, including possible job losses.
Yesterday (Wednesday), a spokesperson from UNISON confirmed six members of staff at the school had engaged with them for support with the process.
Joe McCusker, Regional Organiser with UNISON, said: “We are very disappointed with the school’s decision to cut jobs. This is devastating for those workers facing the loss of their jobs who have provided many years of loyal service to the school.
“Our focus will be to continue supporting our members affected through the redundancy process.”
MLA Deborah Erskine also promised to reengage with the school directly and with Education Minister, Paul Givan referring to the move as “deeply concerning”.
Several other political representatives, from across parties, have voiced their disappointment at the decision.
UUP representative for Magherafelt, Marion Haydock called for “action not words” as she questioned whether Minister Givan would intervene.
In response, the Principal of Royal School Dungannon, Dr David Burnett said: “The Board of Governors and Senior Leadership Team of the Royal School Dungannon
(RSD) have concluded the school’s financial restructuring for the 2026–27 academic year to address systemic budget pressures across public education.
“To safeguard the school’s long-term stability, RSD implemented comprehensive cost-cutting measures, such as utility contract savings, and revenue growth activities.
“Regrettably, reductions in staffing levels were also necessary.
“The overall reduction in staffing levels comprises reductions in Teaching Staff levels by 3 FTE for 2026-27, all through natural wastage, and a reduction of 6.44 FTE for Non-Teaching Staff.
“These Non-Teaching savings were achieved through a combination of natural wastage, staff volunteering to reduce their working hours, cost-effective voluntary redundancies and, regrettably, compulsory redundancies totalling 3.98 FTE across six roles.”
As evident by the Principal’s repeated use of the word “regrettable”, the loss of jobs is something the school take seriously.
Dr Burnett explained that the decision, in his view, is part of a bigger issue across the country.
“RSD’s measures reflect a wider crisis in Northern Ireland’s education funding, where Department of Education figures show school deficits escalating by £70.5 million in a single year to £173.1 million, alongside £1 billion in operational debts driven by unfunded pay awards,” he said.
“Crucially, RSD faces a distinct structural reality compared to Education Authority (EA) Controlled and Maintained schools. As a Voluntary Grammar School, RSD cannot
sustain operational deficits and must manage its own bank account to maintain cash liquidity to pay staff and suppliers.
“Although this situation is not of RSD’s making, the Governors remain determined to take necessary actions to safeguard the long-term stability of the school.”
A letter has also been issued to all parents of pupils this morning (Thursday) in respect of the decision.
