Public Private Partnerships - Demographics/Trends

What if the school is closed, or its roll falls?

The Department will only approve Public Private Partnerships (PPP) projects in schools with stable long-term enrolments and little known risk. The public sector retains volume and demand risk. If a school provided under a PPP agreement closes, the school authority is required to honour its commitments under the contract and the termination clauses would come into effect.

A school authority, considering a PPP project should in conjunction with the Department, examine the Long Term Enrolment (LTE) projections and consider whether local demand for school places is likely to reduce, increase or remain stable and whether the school will attract an appropriate number of pupils in future years.

Can a school under PPP be expanded?

The design of a PPP school is expected to take account of future expansion. There is a change order mechanism, which accommodates change due to demographic trends. The contract normally allows for this and clearly states the terms which would apply if the school authorities choose this option. The normal statutory requirements affecting the enlargement of schools will apply.

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