Integrated Education Demand report published

Date published: 19 May 2026

This report brings together information from admissions data, parental surveys, the results of transformation ballots and wider research to provide a clearer understanding of parental demand for Integrated Education across Northern Ireland. Demand remains limited and unevenly distributed, with pressures concentrated in a small number of schools while many others, particularly at primary level, remain undersubscribed.

As the first annual departmental report produced under the Integrated Education Act 2022, it will inform monitoring, area planning and engagement with schools, communities and delivery partners. Work will continue to strengthen the evidence base further, supporting proportionate, evidence-led planning decisions that balance demand with system sustainability and account for declining pupil numbers across Northern Ireland.

Paul Givan said: 

“The publication of this report is significant as we continue to deliver on our responsibilities under the Integrated Education Act 2022. For the first time, we now have a comprehensive and balanced assessment of demand, which draws on a range of evidence to support informed decision making across the system.

“This evidence shows that demand for Integrated Education is present but uneven. Pressures are concentrated in a relatively small number of schools. This reinforces the need to plan proportionately, using reliable evidence and aligning with wider demographic and sustainability challenges in education in Northern Ireland.”

The Minister added: 

“My priority is to ensure that every child and young person can access high quality education that meets their needs. Where there is clear and demonstrable demand for Integrated Education, it is right that we respond. However, this must be done in a way that is sustainable, makes best use of public resources and is considered alongside broader area planning requirements."

Key findings from the report include:

Parental preference patterns

Of parents who selected an Integrated school as their first preference, only 13% chose another Integrated school as their second preference, with almost 50% choosing a Controlled school instead. This suggests that ethos alone is not the dominant driver of parental choice.

Primary school phase

Demand at primary level varies considerably across Northern Ireland. While some areas such as Fermanagh and Omagh have improved to 0.0% in 2025/26, others have experienced significant declines. Ards and North Down falling to -40.3% and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon to 27.6% in 2025/26. Several council areas remain consistently undersubscribed.

Post-primary phase

Although overall approved admission numbers at Year 8 exceed first preference applications, demand is concentrated in a small number of schools. Oversubscription remains high in Mid and East Antrim (+44.0% in 2025/26), while areas including Derry City and Strabane (-70.8%) and Newry, Mourne and Down (-35.0%) continue to experience significant undersubscription.

The Integrated Education Demand: Evidence, Insights, and Limitations report is available on the DE website at: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/integrated-education-demand-evidence-insights-and-limitations-may-2026