Alliance Integrated Education spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said she is saddened after the first Catholic school in Northern Ireland to try and change to integrated status was not allowed to.
Parents of pupils at Clintyclay Primary School close to Dungannon voted to change to integrated status in 2014, however, it was rejected at the time. Following legal hearings, the Department of Education agreed to look at the proposal. It has now announced it has again rejected the proposal.
“I am saddened by the Department’s decision, as Alliance has consistently shown support for Clintyclay Primary School’s transformation to integrated status,” said Ms Armstrong.
“However, it is important the area has a sustainable primary school, and it is also good news the school remains keen on transformation, so an application to become integrated can be revisited in future.
“It is clear from soundings in the local area there is interest from parents from all sections of the community in establishing the school on an integrated basis. When there is a demand, we must ensure there it is met.
“While today’s decision is disappointing, I call upon the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools to work with the community and the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education to consider the best way forward for children in the area, which is clearly integrated education.”