In response to the Minister of Education decisions regarding Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College and Rathmore Primary School.
“The Integrated Education Fund (IEF) is extremely disappointed that the Minister of Education has rejected the democratic wishes of the overwhelming majority parents at both Bangor Academy and Sixth Form and Rathmore Primary School in Bangor to become Integrated schools. In reaching this flawed decision, the Minister has clearly rejected, not only the desire of the school community but also the advice of his own officials, the Education Authority, Controlled Schools Support Council and the Council for Integrated Education. It is hard to comprehend how such decisions reflect the Department of Education’s statutory duty to ‘support, encourage and facilitate’ Integrated Education. We deeply appreciate the time, energy and commitment both schools, parents and the wider communities have already dedicated to the Transformation process. We don’t want any of this hard work to be lost going forward and the IEF will continue to support the schools to help them consider next steps and future actions.”
Paul Caskey OBE, Chief Executive of the IEF
