New research from Ulster University reveals that the divided education and school system in Northern Ireland costs the public an additional £226m per year. Northern Ireland Humanists has said that the shocking finding shows why Northern Ireland needs an inclusive school system.
The Ulster University study, partially funded by the Integrated Education Fund (IEF), estimates a daily cost of approximately £600,000, due to the duplication of resources and services in the divided school system. And what is more, the Chair of the IEF has called the estimate ‘a little bit conservative’. Northern Ireland’s education system primarily consists of Catholic schools, and controlled schools primarily attended by children from the Protestant community, with only 8% of pupils attending formally integrated schools that aim to mix children from various backgrounds. All state-funded schools, including the integrated schools, have a Christian character.
Last year the Belfas
t High Court ruled that the exclusively Christian RE and worship required in all schools in Northern Ireland schools is discriminatory. At present, the RE curriculum in Northern Ireland is entirely taught from a Christian perspective. Schools use a syllabus that was written by the four main churches in 2007. This is despite the fact that the number of non-religious people in Northern Ireland is surging, doubling in the last ten years according to the latest Census. Meanwhile, the annual Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey found that in 2021 28% of adults have no religion.
The Ulster University research sheds light on the pressing need to reassess the divided education system in Northern Ireland, which is both financially and socially unsustainable. By advocating for inclusive schools, Northern Ireland Humanists aims to create a more unified and cost-effective education system that benefits all students and society as a whole.
Northern Ireland Humanists Coordinator Boyd Sleator commented:
‘This research highlights the urgent need to address our divided education system, which perpetuates societal divisions and drains valuable resources that could be better spent elsewhere. Integrated schools mark a step in the right direction for an inclusive approach to education in Northern Ireland – and this study shows that the integrated approach is clearly far better value for money as well. We must ask ourselves not if we can afford to move towards integrated education, but if we can afford not to.’
Northern Ireland Humanists is committed to campaigning for a single, unified education system that serves all children, regardless of their background. We believe that by putting an end to the costly practice of maintaining separate schools for different communities, Northern Ireland can invest more effectively in the future of its young people. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, understanding, and cooperation in education, Northern Ireland Humanists can help bridge the gaps between communities and promote a more cohesive society.
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For further comment or information, media should contact Northern Ireland Humanists Coordinator Boyd Sleator at boyd@humanists.uk or phone 07918 975795.
Read the research from Ulster University.
Read an article about the research on the BBC News website.
Read more about Northern Ireland Humanists.
Read more about our work on schools and education.
Northern Ireland Humanists is part of Humanists UK, working with the Humanist Association of Ireland. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by 100,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.