High demand for integrated education shows need for more places

Alliance Education Spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA has said more integrated education places must be created to accommodate demand following news that the two most oversubscribed post-primary schools for entry in September in Northern Ireland are integrated schools. Statistics shown in the Irish News today illustrate that Slemish Integrated in Ballymena and Lagan College in Belfast are the two most oversubscribed post-primary schools here.

Trevor Lunn MLA said: “It is encouraging to see that so many people want to have their child educated at an integrated school but I am concerned that many have had to be turned away because applications exceeded the number of places available. We need to try and ensure that everyone who wants to send their child to an integrated school can, so we need to see more places created.

“Demand for integrated education is very high and this is a positive reflection on this sector and on our society.

“I hope that the Education Minister will take note of these figures and honour the government’s commitment to ensure that everyone who wishes to send their child to an integrated school can do so.”

ENDS