AQW 14146/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 05/02/2021
Answered On Date: 11/02/2021
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) his decision to turn down Strangford Integrated College’s development proposal; and (ii) why Judge Treacy’s rulings, that emphasised integrated education is a standalone concept and applications for growth ought not to be considered in light of falling numbers in catholic maintained or controlled schools, was not followed.

Answer:

My decision, and the rationale for it, is published in full on the Department’s website and is accessible at the following link: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/dp-622-strangford-integrated-college-0

As my decision makes clear, impacts on other schools was not the sole reason not to approve the Development Proposal. I also referenced future population numbers as a factor and use of Temporary Variation arrangements to manage any required changes.