The Minister for Education and Skills Nick McKim said today that the Geeveston District High community has decided the school will become a K-6 primary school on the current site from the beginning of the 2013 school year and that grades 7-10 will close at the end of this school year (2012).

"From next year, the school will be known as the Geeveston Primary School and will provide some exciting educational opportunities for primary students in the Geeveston area.

"Following discussions surrounding future school viability, the Geeveston school community have supported a transition process for their secondary students to attend either Huonville High School or Dover District High School from next year (2013).

"The Government is expected to save nearly $400,000 over the next three years after meeting initial costs.

"In this year's State Budget, the Government established a $3.5 million School Transition Fund over two years to encourage innovation within school communities who wished to voluntarily co-locate, amalgamate, close or explore other options relating to their future.

"The School Transition Fund presented the Geeveston community with an opportunity to shape the way their school will operate into the future," he said.

Mr McKim said that secondary students at Geeveston District High School who wish to attend Huonville High School or Dover District High School in 2013 will be provided with a new school uniform to the value of $150 per student.

"Support staff will be provided to assist in the transition process.

"Nearly $160,000 will be spent on the Geeveston site to create facilities that are more reflective of a primary school learning environment.

"Student transport arrangements to Huonville High School or Dover District High School are being finalised.

"I will ask DIER to provide a transport option from Geeveston to both Huonville High School and Dover District High School.

"I would like to congratulate the Geeveston school community on taking this positive step and further strengthening educational provision for their students," Mr McKim said.