Unmet Demand: Time to Close the Gap
The Integrated Education Fund (IEF) has launched its Strategic Vision for 2026–2030 at two high profile events in London and Belfast. The strategy entitled ‘Unmet demand: Time to close the gap’ highlights the need for decisive action to work towards meeting parental demand for Integrated Education in Northern Ireland.
The London launch, held in the House of Lords, was attended by senior UK and Irish officials, including the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn MP, Under Secretary of State, Matthew Patrick MP and the Irish Ambassador to the UK, Martin Fraser. Lord Dubs, a former Northern Ireland Minister and a long-standing supporter of Integrated Education and children’s rights, welcomed supporters, donors, past pupils and dignitaries to the event. TV presenter and former Integrated pupil Kathryn B Wilson compered the evening, which featured contributions from IEF Chief Executive Paul Caskey OBE, Chair Peter Osborne and David Montgomery, a leading businessman and campaigner for the cause.
The Belfast launch, held in the Linen Hall Library, was attended by local supporters, campaigners and schools, together with local actors Geraldine Hughes and Adrian Dunbar. The library is currently hosting a major exhibition on the history and development of Integrated Education. Guests were treated to special performances by two young pupils, Isla of Integrated College Glengormley and Olive, formerly of Cliftonville Integrated Primary School.
At both events the IEF’s Chief Executive Paul Caskey OBE highlighted the five key priorities for the new Strategic Vision: growing the number of Integrated school places; empowering parents, young people and communities to access Integrated Education; challenging the divided nature of the education system through robust independent research; increasing understanding about what Integrated Education is and, lastly; helping schools celebrate their integrated ethos and practice.
Caskey emphasised the gap between parental demand and available places:
“According to societal level survey data sponsored by the Department of Education, 76% of respondents who stated a preference for the type of school to send their child/children, stated Integrated. Further research carried out by the Department, through the Education Authority, considered parental behavioural data, indicating 31% of parents would have preferred their child went to an Integrated school, irrespective of the actual choice they made during the school’s admission process. However, just under 9% of pupils currently attend an Integrated school.
Measuring and meeting demand is now a legal requirement for the Department of Education and the Education Authority. Most parents want more integration, now is the time to make it a realistic choice, now is the time to close the gap between demand and supply.”
IEF donors and supporters Dr Terry Cross OBE and Tony Carson at the Belfast launch.
IEF Chair, Peter Osborne, commented on the valuable cross-governmental support for Integrated Education:
“We want to acknowledge the incredible support of both the Northern Ireland Office and the Irish Government’s Reconciliation Fund, alongside all our donors and supporters for helping Integrated Education grow and develop.”
Minister Matthew Patrick MP, Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, reiterated the UK government’s commitment to supporting Integrated Education:
“I am proud that this Government supports Integrated Education. I passionately believe that Integrated Education, through bringing communities together, can play a crucial role in a more inclusive and prosperous Northern Ireland.
I want to see all schools in Northern Ireland- Integrated or not- learn from the very principles that underpin what it means to be an Integrated school, the idea that wherever you come from, whatever your background, you are welcome, you belong.
We will continue to support the development of Integrated Education as we work towards a more inclusive and integrated society for the Northern Ireland of today and tomorrow.”
Showing the cross-governmental support for Integrated Education, the Irish Ambassador Martin Fraser, spoke about the crucial role of Integrated Education in the ongoing peace process. Ambassador Fraser said:
“As co-guarantors of the Belfast/ Good Friday Agreement, the Irish Government recognises the importance of Integrated Education and all it contributes to peace and reconciliation as part of the ongoing peace process. By educating children together every day, the next generation can learn from and with each other in an atmosphere of respect and understanding. This is why the Irish Government is very glad to support Integrated Education.”
