People, Schools and Borders

This research project aimed to better understand experiences of education and expectations of education provision in border areas, and investigated two stated objectives:

(i) explore and better understand the challenges and opportunities of living along the border, particularly in access to education; and

(ii) engage with parents and other stakeholders on their preferences for sustainable, high quality school provision within their area.

In addition, the project explored the preferences of border communities in terms of the type and location of primary schools and provided insight into their longer-term views regarding sustainable school provision in each area.

The project was funded by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) which promotes reconciliation and integration between and within communities across Northern Ireland and in the border areas of Ireland. IFI supported this project under its Communities in Partnership Programme (CIPP) with funding provided under the Strengthening Civic Engagement in Border Communities project.

The project was a partnership between Ulster University, the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) and Educate Together and was delivered between October 2022 and September 2023.

For more information, you can contact Sean Pettis, Parental Engagement Manager at the Integrated Education Fund via sean@ief.org.uk