AQW 38017/22-27

Ms Sian Mulholland
Alliance Party
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 12/01/2026
Answered On Date: 22/01/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail any assessment carried out on the potential impact on pupils who will remain based on the Dunluce School site, Bushmills, once the three site amalgamation of Causeway Academy begins in September 2026.

Answer:

Causeway Academy will operate across three campuses when it opens in 2026 to ensure a smooth and supportive transition. Key Stage 3 students (Years 8-10) will begin their journey at the Carthall Road Campus (previously Coleraine College) and a new Sixth Form (Year 13) will be launched at the Cloyfin Campus (previously North Coast Integrated College). Students in years 11, 12 and 14, including those at Dunluce School, will remain on the campus of their legacy school to complete their studies and examinations.

School assemblies were held with students across all three legacy campuses, including Dunluce School, this has ensured that students are fully informed about the phased transition. In addition, a structured ‘student voice’ exercise has been completed, enabling students from Dunluce School to share views on the supports, activities and information they feel they need during the transition period.

Informed by this engagement, the transition plan for pupils who will remain at the Bushmills Campus (Dunluce School) includes:

Continuity of teaching and curriculum provision for pupils completing Key Stage 4.

Onsite pastoral support, including Pastoral staff

A programme of Causeway Academy transition activities, to build familiarity and confidence.

Continued engagement and communication of what the remainder of this school year will look like.

This assessment process will continue throughout 2026 to ensure that pupils at the Bushmills Campus (Dunluce School) are supported academically, socially, and emotionally during the transition.