Transforming our education systems, North and South
THE MOVEMENT to establish shared schools in Ireland, known as “Integrated” in Northern Ireland and “Educate Together” in the Republic, has gathered pace in recent years. In total, 182 schools have been established at primary and post-primary level, catering for 57,900 students. These schools are providing education that – as well as bringing children from different religious traditions together – actively develops mutual understanding and respect.
Speaking in July 2021, President Michael D Higgins praised the contribution that these schools are making to “a peaceful and fulfilling future for all of the children on the island of Ireland”, arguing that “the ethos of practical equality that informs the Integrated Education and Educate Together movements is pivotal for our common future”3
However, despite growing demand, only 6% of all children attending primary schools in Ireland in 2021 attend schools that bring children together in this way, and both jurisdictions in Ireland continue to be criticised by various UN human rights committees for not providing alternatives to denominational primary education.
* Full article available in printed copies.
Roisin Marshall & Emer Nowlan
Roisin is CEO of the Council for Integrated Education, Northern Ireland. Emer is is CEO of Educate Together, Dublin.