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
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 March 2009
Education Minister Drums Up Support For Integration
With over 18,000 children and young people being educated in integrated schools across Northern Ireland already, the sector has an important role to play.
Education Minister Drums Up Support For Integration
With over 18,000 children and young people being educated in integrated schools across Northern Ireland already, the sector has an important role to play.
20 November 2003
Alliance unveil plan for expanding integrated education
The Alliance party has unveiled a nine-point plan aimed at expanding integrated education in Northern Ireland. Education spokesperson, Eileen Bell said that while integrated education wasn't the total solution to problems locally, it was vital for the future of Northern Ireland if divisions between the two communities were to be overcome.
Alliance unveil plan for expanding integrated education
The Alliance party has unveiled a nine-point plan aimed at expanding integrated education in Northern Ireland. Education spokesperson, Eileen Bell said that while integrated education wasn't the total solution to problems locally, it was vital for the future of Northern Ireland if divisions between the two communities were to be overcome.
11 March 2024
Givan Urged To 'Met His Obligations' On Integrated Education
The Alliance Party has called on the Education Minister, Paul Givan, to met his obligations on integrated education following the removal of funding for a number of local schools.
Givan Urged To 'Met His Obligations' On Integrated Education
The Alliance Party has called on the Education Minister, Paul Givan, to met his obligations on integrated education following the removal of funding for a number of local schools.
04 September 2006
Integrated schools to open despite funding block
Two integrated schools are opening their doors to children to pupils for the first time after not receiving funding from the Department of Education.
Integrated schools to open despite funding block
Two integrated schools are opening their doors to children to pupils for the first time after not receiving funding from the Department of Education.
13 March 2024
SDLP Launches Petition For Restoration Of Integrated Schools Funding
The SDLP has launched a petition calling for the restoration of funding for new buildings at ten integrated schools across NI. The petition follows the recent announcement of the withdrawal of this funding as part of the financial package agreed between Executive parties and the UK Government.
SDLP Launches Petition For Restoration Of Integrated Schools Funding
The SDLP has launched a petition calling for the restoration of funding for new buildings at ten integrated schools across NI. The petition follows the recent announcement of the withdrawal of this funding as part of the financial package agreed between Executive parties and the UK Government.
-
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.