The Department of Education has officially introduced the Integrated Education Support Programme to offer specialised funding, professional learning, and tailored guidance for schools exploring or undergoing integration.

The initiative will be managed and executed on behalf of the Department by both the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education and the Education Authority.

The scheme is actively seeking joint applications from clusters of two or more primary schools located within five miles of each other, or post-primary schools situated within a 10-mile radius. This cooperative strategy is highly encouraged for Catholic Maintained and Controlled schools aiming to establish a shared identity and protect the future of sustainable rural education. The specific pathways and support frameworks required for these joint applications will be developed alongside the individual schools and their corresponding managing authorities.

Education Minister Paul Givan commented: "The launch of the Integrated Education Support Programme represents a positive and practical step in supporting schools and communities who wish to explore Integrated Education. "The Programme is designed to ensure that schools have access to comprehensive support at each stage of their journey, engage meaningfully with staff, parents, pupils and the wider community, and understand and meet the statutory requirements for Integrated Education under the Integrated Education Act 2022.

"It will also support schools to implement thoughtful cultural and curricular change, build a robust Case for Change supported by evidence of demand, sustainability and readiness, and develop clear plans for ethos, governance, diversity and curriculum."

The initial group of successful schools admitted into the scheme will start their transition activities in September 2026, targeting a formal opening date as fully Integrated schools from September 2029 and beyond.

The Minister continued: "I welcome the collaborative approach being taken with the Education Authority and the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education to deliver this Programme. It is about enabling thoughtful, well-informed exploration of Integrated status, underpinned by evidence and meaningful engagement.

"In line with the findings of the Department's recent demand report, the Programme recognises that demand for Integrated Education is present but uneven and supports a measured approach that responds to genuine local demand while ensuring developments remain sustainable, inclusive and in the best interests of children and young people."

The Integrated Education Support Programme is available on the DE website at: www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/integrated-education-support-programme