It comes following the publication of a report by Queen’s University, ‘Strengths and Weaknesses of the Integrated Education Transformation Process’, which outlines the difficulty schools are facing in trying to obtain integrated status

The Lagan Valley MLA has said: “It’s been made abundantly clear time and time again that there’s incredible demand for integrated education here in Northern Ireland, much more so than our schools currently have the places to accommodate.

“What this research has revealed is sadly not surprising. From a lack of financial support for schools undergoing transformation, to an unnecessarily cumbersome application process and long, drawn-out waits for decisions from the Department of Education and the EA, schools are facing an uphill battle in transforming to integrated status.

“It doesn’t have to be this way, and unfortunately seems to reflect the attitude of an Education Minister whose approach to encouraging and supporting the expansion of integrated education has left a lot to be desired, demonstrated clearly in his recent decision to reject overwhelming bids from Bangor Academy and Rathmore Primary to transform.

“His department has a statutory duty to encourage, facilitate, and support integrated education, and it’s time we saw meaningful action to meet this responsibility.

“Every young person should have the opportunity to be educated in an integrated setting, and Alliance is committed to securing a future where this is a reality. We will continue holding the minister and his department to account on the crucial issue of expanding access.”