Menu
03/03/2006
Minister declines four integrated school proposals
Education Minister Angela Smith has turned down development proposals for four integrated schools across the province.
The proposals were for Clogher Valley, Moira/Hillsborough, Saintfield/Carryduff and funding for an existing independent primary school in Ballycastle.
The Minister said that she realised this would be disappointing news for the parents' groups involved, however it was important to provide clarity at this point when parents are choosing schools for their children in September.
The Minister said that the new schools have been proposed for areas which already have surplus capacity and concerns have been raised about the impact this would have on existing provision.
She said: "Government is committed to integrated education, but we also have a responsibility to manage the schools estate in the light of falling enrolments.
"As the Secretary of State said recently, our existing schools system with its numerous sectors comes at a high price. We need to be more strategic and co-ordinated in our approach, examining new models of schooling, involving sharing of facilities and achieving the best use of resources available.
"The education sector faces a real challenge in addressing parental choice for integrated schools against the impact of falling rolls. I believe that there are opportunities for cross-sector co-operation and would welcome input from the integrated sector to the forthcoming independent review of education on how this could be delivered."
The Minister added that these issues need to be examined carefully and fully in the context of the Government's policy 'A Shared Future' and ensuring that schools are viable.
The Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Council for Intergated Education, Michael Wardlow, said that the decision meant that the schoolchildren were being "forced into segragated education against their wishes."
Integated schools in Northern Ireland have been held as a way to break down sectarian barriers. The province's first integrated school was opened in Belfast in 1981.
There are currently 58 integrated schools, which enrole almost 18,000 pupils.
(SP/GB)
The proposals were for Clogher Valley, Moira/Hillsborough, Saintfield/Carryduff and funding for an existing independent primary school in Ballycastle.
The Minister said that she realised this would be disappointing news for the parents' groups involved, however it was important to provide clarity at this point when parents are choosing schools for their children in September.
The Minister said that the new schools have been proposed for areas which already have surplus capacity and concerns have been raised about the impact this would have on existing provision.
She said: "Government is committed to integrated education, but we also have a responsibility to manage the schools estate in the light of falling enrolments.
"As the Secretary of State said recently, our existing schools system with its numerous sectors comes at a high price. We need to be more strategic and co-ordinated in our approach, examining new models of schooling, involving sharing of facilities and achieving the best use of resources available.
"The education sector faces a real challenge in addressing parental choice for integrated schools against the impact of falling rolls. I believe that there are opportunities for cross-sector co-operation and would welcome input from the integrated sector to the forthcoming independent review of education on how this could be delivered."
The Minister added that these issues need to be examined carefully and fully in the context of the Government's policy 'A Shared Future' and ensuring that schools are viable.
The Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Council for Intergated Education, Michael Wardlow, said that the decision meant that the schoolchildren were being "forced into segragated education against their wishes."
Integated schools in Northern Ireland have been held as a way to break down sectarian barriers. The province's first integrated school was opened in Belfast in 1981.
There are currently 58 integrated schools, which enrole almost 18,000 pupils.
(SP/GB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
04 September 2006
Integrated schools to open despite funding block
Two integrated schools are opening their doors to children to pupils for the first time after not receiving funding from the Department of Education.
Integrated schools to open despite funding block
Two integrated schools are opening their doors to children to pupils for the first time after not receiving funding from the Department of Education.
06 July 2022
£1.9m To Transform Integrated Education In NI
The UK Government is to provide funding of £1.9 million to transform integrated education in Northern Ireland, Secretary of State, Rt Hon Brandon Lewis MP has announced during a visit to Lough View Integrated Primary School. The funding will help support schools through the transformation process as they work towards integrated status. The £1.
£1.9m To Transform Integrated Education In NI
The UK Government is to provide funding of £1.9 million to transform integrated education in Northern Ireland, Secretary of State, Rt Hon Brandon Lewis MP has announced during a visit to Lough View Integrated Primary School. The funding will help support schools through the transformation process as they work towards integrated status. The £1.
03 March 2020
Parents Urged To Support Nursery Integration
School parents are being encouraged to support the integration of nursery schools in Northern Ireland. A campaign launched by the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) is aiming to integrate the early years and promote widespread all-inclusive educational environments from as early as possible.
Parents Urged To Support Nursery Integration
School parents are being encouraged to support the integration of nursery schools in Northern Ireland. A campaign launched by the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) is aiming to integrate the early years and promote widespread all-inclusive educational environments from as early as possible.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
