Report Finds Demand for Integrated Schools Varies Across Northern Ireland

A report published by the Department of Education found that demand for places at officially integrated schools varies across Northern Ireland. The report, titled Integrated Education Demand: Evidence, Insights, and Limitations, is the first annual monitoring report under the Integrated Education Act 2022.

It examined admissions data, survey evidence, ballots, and geographic analysis to assess parental behavior and preference.

Analysis showed demand is unevenly distributed.

Oversubscription is concentrated in a small number of schools and council areas, while many other areas have more approved admission numbers than first-preference applications. The report stated that behavioral demand appears shaped primarily by school reputation, admissions criteria, and accessibility rather than uniform regional preference.

Sustained oversubscription was recorded at Lagan College, Slemish College, Strangford College, Parkhall Integrated College, Hazelwood Integrated College, and Ulidia Integrated College. Undersubscription was found in Derry City and Strabane, Causeway Coast and Glens, and Fermanagh and Omagh council areas.

Givan described the publication as significant. He said the report provides a comprehensive assessment of demand that supports informed decision-making. Givan added that demand is present but uneven, with pressures concentrated in a small number of schools. He said planning must be proportionate, sustainable, and aligned with demographic and area-planning requirements.