27/02/2026
New Guidance Published for Schools Seeking Integrated Status
The Department of Education has released updated guidance aimed at schools across Northern Ireland considering a move to integrated status.
The new document, titled Transforming Together, provides a clear framework for schools to meet the legal requirements of integrated education.
To comply with the statutory definition, schools must demonstrate a commitment to educating children from diverse backgrounds. This includes pupils of different cultures, religious beliefs, or no religious affiliation, with a requirement to include reasonable numbers of both Catholic and Protestant children. The guidance also emphasises the inclusion of students from varying socio-economic backgrounds and different levels of ability.
During a visit to Hazelwood Integrated College, Education Minister Paul Givan highlighted the importance of this model: "Integrated Education is a key element of a sustainable and high-quality education system in Northern Ireland.
"The guidance published today reflects significant developments in recent years, including the commencement of the Integrated Education Act 2022. Transforming Together outlines the principles that underpin the statutory definition of Integrated Education and sets out the key stages of the Transformation pathway, which offers an established and structured route to becoming an Integrated school."
The Minister noted that the document is designed to assist school leadership teams in making informed decisions as they explore the transition. Support and advice remain available through the Department of Education and its various education partners.
The Minister concluded: "I am confident that Transforming Together will assist and support informed decision making throughout the process for schools that wish to explore Transformation. A wide range of advice and support will continue to be available from my Department and from our education partners."
The Transforming Together guidance is available on the DE website at www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/transforming-together-understanding-pathway-integrated-education
Further information is also included in a Written Ministerial Statement, available at www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/written-ministerial-statement-transforming-together
The new document, titled Transforming Together, provides a clear framework for schools to meet the legal requirements of integrated education.
To comply with the statutory definition, schools must demonstrate a commitment to educating children from diverse backgrounds. This includes pupils of different cultures, religious beliefs, or no religious affiliation, with a requirement to include reasonable numbers of both Catholic and Protestant children. The guidance also emphasises the inclusion of students from varying socio-economic backgrounds and different levels of ability.
During a visit to Hazelwood Integrated College, Education Minister Paul Givan highlighted the importance of this model: "Integrated Education is a key element of a sustainable and high-quality education system in Northern Ireland.
The Minister noted that the document is designed to assist school leadership teams in making informed decisions as they explore the transition. Support and advice remain available through the Department of Education and its various education partners.
The Minister concluded: "I am confident that Transforming Together will assist and support informed decision making throughout the process for schools that wish to explore Transformation. A wide range of advice and support will continue to be available from my Department and from our education partners."
The Transforming Together guidance is available on the DE website at www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/transforming-together-understanding-pathway-integrated-education
Further information is also included in a Written Ministerial Statement, available at www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/written-ministerial-statement-transforming-together
Latest Northern Ireland News
27 February 2026
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27 February 2026
Two Released on Bail in Lisa Dorrian Murder Investigation
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27 February 2026
Infrastructure Minister Announces Belfast City Centre Resurfacing Scheme
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27 February 2026
New Guidance Published for Schools Seeking Integrated Status
The Department of Education has released updated guidance aimed at schools across Northern Ireland considering a move to integrated status. The new document, titled Transforming Together, provides a clear framework for schools to meet the legal requirements of integrated education.
New Guidance Published for Schools Seeking Integrated Status
The Department of Education has released updated guidance aimed at schools across Northern Ireland considering a move to integrated status. The new document, titled Transforming Together, provides a clear framework for schools to meet the legal requirements of integrated education.
27 February 2026
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PHA Urges Focus on HPV Vaccination and Screening to Combat Cancer
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27 February 2026
Alliance MLA Calls for Urgent Pause on 'Right to Buy' Scheme
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27 February 2026
Man Arrested and Weapons Seized Following Benburb Search
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27 February 2026
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27 February 2026
Minister Welcomes French Delegation to Carrickfergus Castle
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Minister Welcomes French Delegation to Carrickfergus Castle
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.