On 08 April 2025, Forge Integrated Primary School in Belfast welcomed a very special cross-party delegation of 13 politicians, including 11 MPs from Westminster and South Belfast such as Mid Down MP Claire Hanna.
The special visitors were greeted by pupils and staff of the school, as well as former pupils now attending the nearby Lagan College. The young people were given the chance to engage with the delegation through a lively question and answer session.
Paul Caskey, Chief Executive of the IEF, said:
“The IEF was delighted to attend this special event and to meet such a prestigious political delegation from Westminster. It is important that representatives from across the political spectrum can have the opportunity to see and experience Integrated Education first-hand. The pupils were able to eloquently express what Integrated Education means to them. Forge IPS demonstrates how intentional Integrated Education brings children and young people from all religious and cultural backgrounds together to learn from each other. The IEF will continue to support this thriving Integrated school as it works to offer the very best Integrated Education to all pupils and families in this community.”
Julie-Ann Foster, Acting Principal of Forge IPS, said:
“Forge Integrated Primary School was delighted to host a cross-party delegation of MPs and MLAs, our second delegation visit in 12 months. It was a great opportunity for our pupils and former pupils from Lagan College to share their personal experiences of attending an Integrated school.
When asked for their perspective on Integrated Education, a Primary 7 pupil said, ‘I believe that every child should have the option of going to an integrated school. It would make everyone more understanding of each other and create a better place for us to live in Northern Ireland.’”
Forge IPS’s Acting Principal Julie-Ann Foster.
Lagan College pupils.
Northern Ireland politicians.
IEF Chief Executive Paul Caskey OBE.
The Westminster delegation.
Member of Forge IPS choir.
