Four schools have expressed deep disappointment after learning on the first day of the new academic year that the Minister of Education has refused their applications to transform to Integrated status.
The Integrated Education Fund (IEF) has commented that the “day should have been focused on welcoming back pupils and families with planning for the future, instead the schools received this disappointing news”.
Ballyhenry Primary School (PS), Downshire PS, Killowen PS (Coleraine) and Larne and Inver PS had waited between 18 months and two years for decisions on their proposals to become Integrated schools. The decision to become Integrated came after each school held a democratic parental ballot, each of which confirmed parental support for Integrated status.
During that period of waiting, the schools continued their integration journeys, proactively planning for Transformation and promoting respect for identity, diversity and community cohesion. In doing so, they have worked to embed an integrated ethos across school life.
In a statement, the IEF said: “The basis given for the four decisions is the Minister’s interpretation of ‘reasonable numbers’ of Protestants and Catholics required within an Integrated school, which was introduced in 2026, long after the schools’ detailed Development Proposals were submitted.
Lynn Knocker, Principal of Ballyhenry PS, responded to the decision: “This decision is particularly difficult given the commitment, dedication and hard work invested by our pupils, parents, staff, governors and wider community over many years in working towards this goal. Throughout this journey, our school community has engaged positively and thoughtfully with the process, driven by a shared vision for the future of Ballyhenry.”
Lisa Scott, Principal of Downshire PS, commented: “Today’s decision does not alter who we are. Downshire Primary has always sought to be a place where difference is welcomed, where every child belongs, and where families from all faith traditions and none are valued equally. That commitment was not created by an application, and it will not be diminished by its refusal.”
A spokesperson from IEF added: “Despite the evident disappointment, all four schools have reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to fostering inclusive and welcoming environments for every pupil”.
Arlene Moon, Principal of Killowen PS, said: “The Minister’s decision does not change our determination – we will continue to progress our Transformation plans, working closely together to realise this vision and ensure a bright, inclusive future for all our children.
“There may be those who think integration is only a name, but for us, integration isn’t a name. It’s who we are. We belong, we believe, we learn together. This decision cannot define who we are or divide what lies at the heart of our school. That heart belongs to our children, our families and our community.”
Kirk Patterson, Principal of Larne and Inver PS, stated: “The staff and school community of Larne and Inver Primary School are disappointed in the Education Minister’s decision not to approve our application to transform to Integrated status. Despite our disappointment, our school remains fully committed to the continuation of our intentionally, inclusive ethos.”
IEF remarked: “The Department of Education has a legal duty to “encourage, facilitate and support” Integrated Education. This includes measuring parental demand and aiming to meet that demand. This statutory duty also extends to the Education Authority, who unlike the Minister, backed the schools in seeking to become Integrated schools.”
Paul Caskey OBE, Chief Executive of the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) commented: “The IEF is extremely disappointed for these four school communities. The Minister is relying on his own interpretation of the requirement for ‘reasonable numbers’ of Catholic and Protestant pupils, a criterion contained within the legal definition of an Integrated school, as grounds for refusing proposals for Integrated status.
“The legislation also, of course, makes clear that Integrated Education is about much more than just pupil numbers. Integrated Education is about fostering respect, inclusion and meaningful interaction between children from different faiths, cultures, identities and backgrounds. It is reflected not only in pupil enrolment but also in a school’s ethos, governance and daily life.
Mr Caskey added: “We are immensely proud of these schools and the parents, staff, governors and communities who have worked so hard throughout the Transformation process. We will continue to support them on their integration journeys.”
