Northern Ireland Humanists has expressed deep concern over a decision by Education Minister Paul Givan to reject two North Down schools’ plans to become integrated, ignoring a sizeable majority of parents voting in favour of the proposals.
A ballot of parents of children attending Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College found that around 80% supported the proposal to transform to integrated status. A similar ballot held by Rathmore Primary School saw 82% of parents in favour.
‘Transformation’ refers to the legal process where an existing state school – either a ‘maintained’ school (Catholic) or a ‘controlled’ school (de facto Protestant) – changes its status to become an integrated school, following a clear parental wish to do so. Integrated schools bring together children from different backgrounds – Protestant, Catholic, and those of other faiths and beliefs – to learn side by side in a single, inclusive environment. Northern Ireland Humanists has long advocated a single system of education, and campaigns for a fully inclusive education system free from religious discrimination. A recent poll found that 67% of people in Northern Ireland want integrated schools to be the main model of schooling.
Northern Ireland Humanists Coordinator Boyd Sleator commented:
‘The North Down and Ards area has one of the highest proportions of people in Northern Ireland who identify as non-religious. With 45% of pupils at Rathmore Primary designated as “other”, it’s evident that many families want a school environment that reflects and values diverse beliefs and backgrounds. The recent rejection from the Minister is therefore especially disappointing for local parents who hoped to see their schools become integrated.’
The Department of Education has a statutory duty to encourage and facilitate integrated education. Northern Ireland Humanists will be writing to the minister to ask for further clarification as to why he has not respected the wishes of parents and teachers at the schools in question, and how this is compatible with that duty.
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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 more about our work on schools and education.
Read out response to the 2022 Integrated Schools Bill.
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 over 120,000 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.