It is due to be created through the merger of Coleraine College, Dunluce School and North Coast Integrated College, and will be run in part by Ulster University.

The Strangford MLA has said: “Integrated education is a real vehicle for change in our society, and any move further in that direction is immensely welcome.

“We’re glad to see the DoE taking the direct action necessary to make this decision, rather than leaving all the onus on parents and schools to take the lead in driving change.

“With that being said, concerns about the site of the new institution must be heard and fully considered if we want this to work long-term for parents, pupils, and local residents. In addition, despite the challenges of ongoing budgetary pressures within the Department, we cannot allow this proposal to now simply sit and gather dust in the absence of further ministerial direction.

“Alliance believes in a united community and a future that is built upon the tenets of respect, cooperation, and understanding, and integrated education is a key aspect in achieving that. We have been, and remain, wholeheartedly committed to supporting the expansion of IE and seeing these structures future-proofed for generations to come.”