Answers sought after schools’ applications for integrated status rejected

By Rebecca Black (PA)

Answers are being demanded from Stormont Education Minister Paul Givan after applications by two schools for integrated status were turned down.

Both Bangor Academy and Sixth Form Centre and Rathmore Primary School submitted applications to the Department of Education.

They applied for controlled integrated status from September 2025 but were both turned down in decisions made on January 7.

Documents published on the department’s website said Mr Givan did not approve the applications because, while both schools are sustainable in terms of numbers, he did not believe there was reasonable representation from both of the predominant communities in their areas.

The Integrated Education Fund (IEF) said the schools will consider their next steps.

IEF chief executive Paul Caskey said the organisation is “extremely disappointed that the Minister of Education has rejected the democratic wishes of the overwhelming majority of parents” at both schools.

“In reaching this flawed decision, the minister has clearly rejected not only the desire of the school community but also the advice of his own officials, the Education Authority and the Controlled Schools Support Council,” he said.

“It is hard to comprehend how such decisions reflect the Department of Education’s statutory duty to ‘support, encourage and facilitate’ integrated education.

“We deeply appreciate the time, energy and commitment both schools, parents and the wider communities have already dedicated to the transformation process.

“We don’t want any of this hard work to be lost going forward and the IEF will continue to support the schools to help them consider next steps and future actions.”

Alliance North Down MLA Connie Egan said both schools separately balloted parents of pupils, with almost 80% supporting Bangor Academy’s proposal and more than 82% backing Rathmore’s.

She said they were “not only exceptionally disappointing decisions by the Education Minster but deeply concerning ones”.

“The minister needs to set out his rationale for effectively blocking integrated education across North Down,” she said.

“It is difficult to think of one, given the overwhelming public support for the moves among parents of pupils and also the wider local community.

“This move will cause hurt right across North Down, with 79.4% of parents at Bangor Academy and 82.3% of parents at Rathmore now feeling as if their views have now been ignored.

“I will be submitting an urgent question to the minister to seek immediate clarification around this matter.”

Another Alliance North Down MLA, Andrew Muir, said the news is a “complete shock”.

“However, Alliance will continue to support not only these two schools but all those who wish to transform to integrated status,” he said.

“Every parent deserves access to integrated education for their child and it is crucial more is done to facilitate that.”

Bangor Academy, Northern Ireland’s largest school. (Picture from Facebook)