Under the SEELB's proposed Area Plan, it is being recommended that Newtownbreda High School be amalgamated with Knockbreda High School from September 2014. As parents, we do not believe that this amalgamation is in the best interests of our children and that that the disruption caused could have a negative impact on the standard of education provided. By signing this petition you agree that Newtownbreda High School should remain as it is. This will allow the school to continue its current growth and see the year on year improvements in GCSE results continue their upward trend. As the schools Inspectorate stated in December 2012, Newtownbreda High School is a "good news story". Parents and children are choosing Newtownbreda above other schools closer to were they live, as seen by the enrolment figures. The school also has a successful track record of integrating pupils from other schools, such as Lisnasharragh, Dunmurray, Dundonald and more recently Orangefield. In the Area Comparison of GCSE results for 2012, published recently in the Belfast Telegraph, Newtownbreda had the highest ranking for any High School in east Belfast, with the exception of Lagan College & Ashfield Boys. The school places pastoral care at the core of daily life and demonstrates its heart for the local community through its links with community groups, churches and by putting on free adult evening classes during term time and skills courses over the summer. Newtownbreda has a strong senior leadership team who's vision and determination has lead to much of the recent success of the school. It is in a sound financial position and has never been in formal intervention. As parents and taxpayers we understand the need to reduce the number of surplus places in schools throughout the SEELB area. However, our utmost desire is to see the standard of education that our children receive continue to rise so that they are equipped and encouraged to reach their full potential in their exams and so stand the best chance of gaining employment on leaving education. We strongly believe that the best way to achieve this is by leaving Newtownbreda as it is.