In the 2021/22 school year we celebrate “40 Years of Integrated Education” across Northern Ireland. The first Integrated school, Lagan College, was established in Belfast in 1981 by the campaigning parent group ‘All Children Together’.

Integrated Education holds a unique place in the world, as the only sector we know of that has been created and driven by the demands and efforts of parents. Every Integrated school has either been started by parents or transformed through parental ballot. In either case, parental involvement is a core principle of Integrated Education. Integrated Education is a story of civic courage from parents, teachers, governors and children in the face of division. It is a story about hope and that by intentionally bringing people together we could not only deliver a quality education but make a contribution to building peace and reconciliation. At the Council for Integrated Education, we believe this is a story worth celebrating.

Across the 21/22 school year there will be a range of events and initiatives in support of the Anniversary. We are encouraging Integrated schools, support bodies and interested individuals to use the Anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on Integrated Education today and help build the next 40 years.

As part of our 40 Years of Integrated Education celebrations, Integrated schools came together and created a music video, ‘We Are Integration’.

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