A poll of parents in the Whiteabbey area has shown that most would like a school for their children which is openly welcoming to pupils from all sections of the community – and 77% of those expressing an opinion said they would support their local school becoming officially integrated.

Residents are now invited to meet and discuss the research at an informal event hosted by the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) in Whiteabbey on 27 November. (more…)

A Belfast principal has told an audience at the House of Lords that the success of his primary school proves the value of integration and the demand for places in integrated education.  Cliftonville Integrated Primary School became officially integrated in 2008 and the decade since then has seen it become one of the fastest-growing primary schools in Northern Ireland.

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Ulster University launched a “Community Conversation Toolkit” yesterday (05 November) at the MAC Belfast.

The “Toolkit”, funded by the Integrated Education Fund, is a guide developed by the UU School of Education to help meaningful consultation with communities and create inclusive dialogue about local issues.  Developed by Dr Jessica Bates and Dr Una O’Connor Bones, it helps communities contribute their views in a way that is non-partisan and academically rigorous. (more…)

The Department of Education, in partnership with the Public Health Agency, is seeking examples of outstanding pastoral care in schools.

The Derrytrasna Pastoral Care Award provides recognition to school communities that have demonstrated exceptional co-operative effort in supporting the pastoral care of pupils. Schools that go above and beyond to make a real difference to their pupils lives. (more…)

A top line-up of comedy performers joined forces in the London Irish Centre last Friday (2 November) to raise awareness and money for the Integrated Education Fund.

The show was hosted by comedian and actress Wendy Wason and comedy stars Ed Byrne, Andrew Maxwell, Lou Sanders, Luke McQueen and Alice Fraser all gave up their time in support of the Fund.

As well as bringing some of the UK and Ireland’s best-loved comedy acts together, the night also highlighted the reconciliation and understanding that comes from educating children together regardless of their religion, race and cultural identity. (more…)

Today (31 October 2018) the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee hears from primary and secondary school principals, including Nigel Frith of Drumragh Integrated College in Omagh  as part of its inquiry into Education Funding in Northern Ireland.

In 2018/19 funding for schools in Northern Ireland was set through the Northern Ireland Budget Act which was passed centrally at Westminster. The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee is examining the levels of funding for education and the spending priorities at the Department of Education NI. (more…)