A new report from the Department of Education has found that demand for places at officially integrated schools varies significantly across Northern Ireland. The study, titled Integrated Education Demand: Evidence, Insights, and Limitations, is the first in a series of annual monitoring reports mandated by the Integrated Education Act 2022.
Measuring Demand
The report acknowledges that there is no single measure of demand for integrated education. It examined admissions data, survey evidence, ballots, and geographic analysis to assess parental behaviour and preferences. However, it concluded that admissions data provides the clearest indication of actual parental behaviour and carries the strongest evidential weight.
Uneven Distribution
Analysis revealed that demand for integrated education is unevenly distributed across Northern Ireland. Oversubscription is concentrated in a relatively small number of schools and council areas, while many other areas have more approved admission numbers than first preference applications. The report states: "This pattern suggests that pressures reflect school-specific popularity and localised patterns of choice rather than system-wide demand for integrated places."
Behavioural demand appears to be shaped primarily by established factors such as school reputation, admissions criteria, and accessibility, rather than uniform levels of preference across the region.
Oversubscribed and Undersubscribed Schools
The report identified sustained oversubscription at Lagan College, Slemish College, Strangford College, Parkhall Integrated College, Hazelwood Integrated College, and Ulidia Integrated College. Conversely, undersubscription was found in areas including Derry City and Strabane, Causeway Coast and Glens, and Fermanagh and Omagh council areas.
Minister's Response
Education Minister Paul Givan described the publication of the report as "significant." He stated: "For the first time, we now have a comprehensive and balanced assessment of demand, which draws on a range of evidence to support informed decision making across the system."
He added: "This evidence shows that demand for integrated education is present but uneven. Pressures are concentrated in a relatively small number of schools. This reinforces the need to plan proportionately, using reliable evidence and aligning with wider demographic and sustainability challenges in education in Northern Ireland."
Givan emphasised his priority is to ensure every child and young person can access high-quality education that meets their needs. "Where there is clear and demonstrable demand for integrated education, it is right that we respond. However, this must be done in a way that is sustainable, makes best use of public resources, and is considered alongside broader area planning requirements," he concluded.
