19/01/2022

Executive Urged To 'Do More' On Integrated Education Provision

The Executive has been urged to "do more" to increase integrated education provision, as it considers the new Integrated Education Bill.

Making the call, Green Party MLA Clare Bailey said: "As one of the first 28 pupils at Northern Ireland's first planned integrated school, Lagan College it's a privilege, 40 years later, to be able to support the progress of the Integrated Education Bill at the Assembly. This Bill is an important first step towards ending the segregation of our schools.

"The Green Party NI supported amendments to strengthen this legislation, and I look forward to MLAs voting to making it law. Our school system is long overdue reform, especially the ending of segregation and academic selection. I hope that the ongoing Independent Review of Education will offer clear recommendations for the radical reform our education system needs.

"Over two decades since the Good Friday Agreement, only 7% of Northern Ireland's young people are educated in integrated schools. Segregation in our education system costs around £900 million a year. It's time to do better for our young people."


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