Integrated Education

In the late 1970s, parents from different parts of the community approached the existing nondenominational schools, controlled by the local education and Library Boards and asked them to consider changing their structures and ethos to become more welcoming to families of all religions. Frustrated by the lack of response, these parents decided to set up their own second level integrated college, Lagan College, which opened in a scout hall in 1981.

By 1988, eight integrated schools had been established, all initially funded by parents. In 1989 the Government, through the Education Reform Order provided legislation to encourage and facilitate the development of new integrated schools. Such schools no longer needed to be funded by parents; recurrent funding is given from day one to cover such expenses as salaries, equipment, books, running costs etc. Capital costs normally become available after the school proves its viability.

As the integrated movement grew there developed a need for a central forum and umbrella organisation. NICIE came into being in 1987 and was formally incorporated in 1989. Its role is to assist the development of integrated education and schools in Northern Ireland for the public benefit.

NICIE has a representative structure and is a forum for debate and policy development where issues affecting the integrated movement as a whole can be discussed. It also provides financial co-ordination of both voluntary and statutory support and assists with the development of new and existing schools.

Having gained grant-maintained integrated status, Malone College is currently a full member of NICIE. We have worked closely with NICIE professionals since November 1995 and have benefited tremendously from their expertise and support.

There are now 58 integrated schools and colleges throughout Northern Ireland. Like Malone College, all of the planned integrated schools have come into existence as a result of the efforts of local parents committed to the integrated ethos. There can be no doubt that integrated education is the most exciting and successful educational movement of our times and Malone College is proud to be part of this movement.

There are currently around 17,811 children being educated in integrated schools and colleges. This amounts to about 5% of the school population. A further 4% of students attend schools that can be described as mixed to a certain extent. The remainder, ie 91% of boys and girls in Northern Ireland attend schools that are predominantly or exclusively Protestant or Roman Catholic.

The structure, staffi ng and enrolments in integrated schools are different from the traditional sectors. There are more places for parents on the Board of Governors and staffi ng must reflect a balance between the communities. Pupil enrolment is guided by the principle that no one religious tradition should be dominant. Religious and cultural diversity is celebrated and valued. Planned integrated schools subscribe to the principles of the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education which recommend a 40/40/20 religious balance ie 40% of students are drawn from the Protestant tradition, a further 40% from the Roman Catholic tradition and 20% of places are reserved for children from other backgrounds. This balance is also reflected in the teaching staff and governors. The schools are all-ability and child-centred with a unique emphasis on and commitment to parental involvement.