Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College and Rathmore Primary School were refused integrated status despite 80% of parents supporting it
The Education Minister has refused integrated status to two schools in North Down because it "would only have a marginal impact on the number of Catholic children attending the schools".
Education Minister Paul Givan said: “The Development Proposals for Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College and Rathmore Primary School, were carefully considered, based on all the information available. “When a school transforms to Integrated, the precise religious balance within the school will vary depending on local circumstances. When considering the demographics of the local area, the extremely limited and historic enrolments from the Catholic community and the availability of both Catholic maintained and other integrated options, I believe there is insufficient evidence that reasonable numbers could be achieved in the future.
Alliance MLA Connie Egan has said the Minister's move is "deeply concerning" and that he has "effectively blocked integrated education in North Down".
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Northern Ireland Minister Blocks Plans for Integrated SchoolsPaul Givan, the Northern Ireland education minister, has rejected proposals from Bangor Academy and Rathmore Primary to become integrated schools. Givan cited insufficient evidence of Catholic pupil enrollment at Rathmore, and similar reasoning is believed to be behind the decision on Bangor Academy. Despite the minister's decision, both schools expressed commitment to inclusive education.
Read more »
Popular Co Down Food Spot Joxer to Close Bangor LocationJoxer, a popular food spot known for its speciality coffee, breakfast, brunch, lunch, and late-night service, announced the closure of its Bangor location. The business will continue to operate in its other two locations in Hillsborough and Lisburn. A statement on social media thanked the Bangor community and hinted at potential future locations for unused Joxer vouchers.
Read more »
Bangor Rugby Club's Topless Carol Singing Raises Funds for Neonatal UnitBangor Rugby Club has raised over £50,000 for charities by carol singing topless in Belfast city centre. This year they are supporting the Ulster Hospital's Neonatal Unit and Tiny Life.
Read more »
Bangor Rugby Club's Topless Carol Singing Raises Money for Neonatal UnitBangor Rugby Club has been raising money for charity for 12 years by singing carols topless in Belfast city centre. This year they are supporting the Ulster Hospital's Neonatal Unit and Tiny Life, which provide care for premature and vulnerable babies. The fundraiser is especially meaningful to one family whose twin boys received care at the Neonatal Unit.
Read more »
The tunnel hidden deep underground that links two ancient communitiesBangor and Bethesda were linked by a railway in the late 19th and 20th centuries
Read more »
Ex chief justice “dislikes Jews as much as he dislikes Catholics” old files showLawyer PJ McGrory reported to have made comments to Irish Department of Foreign Affairs official
Read more »