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A group of governors from Dunluce School has expressed concerns over the upcoming merger of three post-primary schools on Northern Ireland’s north coast, stating that pupils seem to have been overlooked in the process. The schools, Coleraine College, North Coast Integrated College, and Dunluce School, are set to amalgamate and form Causeway Academy, scheduled to open in September 2026. The Education Authority has decided that the academy will operate across the three existing school sites, which they believe is a student-centered approach.
The decision to maintain the three-site model has raised questions about the logistics of how the new school will function. Originally, it was proposed that a single new school building for Causeway Academy would be constructed on Ulster University’s Coleraine campus. However, without a new school in place yet, pupils from different years will continue to be educated in the current separate school buildings, leading to concerns about potential disruptions for students and reduced parental choice.
In response to the resignation of the Dunluce School governors from the interim board of Causeway Academy, independent assembly member Claire Sugden criticized the Department of Education for the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the school. She emphasized the need for clarity on the school’s future and highlighted the challenges faced by families and staff due to the lack of direction from the department. Sugden also commended the interim board for their efforts in leading the amalgamation process but stressed the importance of having a clear long-term plan in place.
Regarding the situation, SDLP assembly member Cara Hunter urged Education Minister Paul Givan to intervene and address the issues to restore confidence in the vision of an inclusive, integrated Causeway Academy. Meanwhile, the Education Authority stated that Causeway Academy’s three-site model aims to minimize student movement throughout their post-primary school years and maximize the educational experience for all students. They assured that efforts are being made to ensure that pupils and staff are adequately prepared for the school’s opening in September 2026
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