Our Vision
Integration Not Separation
We believe that educating all children together is an essential part of the reconciliation process and of building a society that celebrates respect, understanding and friendships across traditional divides.
We believe that integrated education can help all children become better citizens of Northern Ireland and of the increasingly global world we all inhabit.
We believe that the rewards of a truly shared society will be beyond reckoning.
But let’s lay a few myths to rest so that everyone is clear about what integrated education and the IEF are all about.
We don’t want to impose anything on anyone. We act purely in response to parental demand and fully respect the wishes of parents who prefer other types of school.
We believe that a school should first and foremost be a high quality place of learning. Integration achieves nothing unless children receive a rounded, academically sound education.
Integrated schools celebrate everyone’s culture. The belief that they somehow sweep religion under the carpet is mistaken.
Mixing with pupils from other backgrounds does not ‘dilute’ a child’s culture. In our experience, it enriches it.
We have no political agenda. Parents are our driving force.
We are not bankrolled by any government. We depend on like-minded individuals and organisations for our funding.
