Integration Works Conference

In June 2025 the Department of Education (DE) published a new strategy for Integrated Education entitled Vision 2030. This strategy sets out a vision for “a vibrant and supported network of sustainable Integrated schools providing high‑quality Integrated Education to children and young people.” An important aspect of this strategy is that DE has commissioned the Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) to issue a call for Transformation, which will follow later in the year.

Transformation is the process through which schools can acquire Integrated status when there is majority support from the parent body. Findings from the 2024 Life and Times Survey show when respondents were asked “If you were deciding where to send your child/children to school, would you prefer an Integrated school?”, 55% of respondents said they would prefer an Integrated school compared to 17% who said they would not. Recent research conducted by Queen’s University Belfast also found that schools which have completed the Transformation journey in recent years reported that it enabled them to recognise and strengthen their existing diversity, articulate a shared vision for their school community, and respond to growing parental demand for Integrated Education.

It is within this context that NICIE and the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) would like to invite you to this Integration Works information event, designed for schools wishing to learn more about Integrated Education and the Transformation process.

This informal and exploratory event is designed to provide factual information and will feature contributions from Principals of Integrated schools, as well as leaders currently progressing through Transformation. There will be opportunities for discussion and for addressing any questions you may have about the process. There will be a new structured Transformation Support Programme commencing in September 2026 and information about the programme will be available on the day. The event aims to support schools in considering whether Transformation to Integrated status may be appropriate for their context.

Financial support for sub cover will be provided to enable staff to attend the event at a fixed rate of £229 per person which can be claimed via a form.

We will also be holding another event specifically for Governors online on Wednesday 25 March 2026 (7.30pm-8:30pm) and this will also provide a useful opportunity for Governors to hear more about Integrated Education and the Transformation process.

If you have any questions about either event, please contact Jill Caskey at the IEF by emailing jill@ief.org.uk or calling 028 9069 4099.

Places at both events are free but we recommend you register early using the links below.