Integrated Education Fund

County Down’s  first Integrated Primary School marked  25 years of  educating children together  when past and present pupils, staff and governors gathered  for a party at All Children’s IPS  in Newcastle.

People associated with the school since its earliest days gathered to celebrate, and commemorate the journey from campaign group to successful school.  Children enjoyed a climbing wall, penalty-shootout, painting and drumming and also showed off their skills in music and Irish dancing. Guests were entertained by the Armagh Rhymers and by a singing duo of talented past pupils – Ria and Ross Maguire.

In 1991, All Children’s became the first Controlled Integrated Primary School in the province enjoying full support and services from the South Eastern Education and Library Board.  The initial enrolment of 65 children has grown to more than 200 pupils. The school moved from mobile classrooms into state-of-the-art premises in May 2004.

Principal Joyce McMeekin says “The 25th birthday party was a real family celebration and an opportunity to meet old friends who have an important thing in common – we all care passionately about a shared future for Northern Ireland, starting with our children.”