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Statement on Bangor Academy & Sixth Form College and Rathmore Primary School

The Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) share the disappointment of Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College and Rathmore Primary School, Bangor who have both been turned down for Transformation to Integrated status. The decision by the Education Minister runs contrary to the expressed preference of parents who overwhelmingly voted in favour of Integration. These decisions are extremely difficult for both school communities who have put so much time, effort, and dedication into the process of becoming an Integrated school.

The leadership and wider school communities have shown a deep commitment to Transformation, with a real desire to create more Integrated options for parents and children in the Bangor area. They have engaged meaningfully in development opportunities regarding what it means to be an Integrated school.

We note the Minister’s concerns around religious balance in both schools. The Department of Education’s approach to date has been to recognise that balance should be reasonable for the area and can take a number of years to achieve.

Transformation is a journey. Through intentional planning and action, Transforming schools attract new communities and have great success in increasing the diversity of their pupil population.

The Minister’s interpretation of a reasonable community balance appears to signify a policy shift by the Department of Education. It is our view that this position does not support the development of Integrated Education.

We will engage further with the Department for Education to clarify their position.

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Council For Integrated Education

NI Council for Integrated Education
1st Floor, James House
2-4 Cromac Avenue
Belfast
BT7 2JA

T: 02896 944 200

E: admin@nicie.org.uk

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