A controversial school merger on Northern Ireland's north coast has left pupils feeling forgotten and has sparked concerns among parents and officials. The Causeway Academy, an upcoming integrated school, is set to open its doors in September 2026, but its formation has been anything but smooth.
The merger of three existing schools - Coleraine College, North Coast Integrated College, and Dunluce School - has faced significant challenges. Governors from Dunluce School have even withdrawn from the interim board, citing a "total misunderstanding" of school governance by those leading the project.
And this is the part most people miss: when Causeway Academy opens, it will operate on all three existing school sites, a decision that has raised eyebrows and sparked debates.
The Education Authority defends this approach, stating it is "student-centred" and aims to minimize student movement throughout their post-primary education. However, critics argue that this decision lacks clarity and has caused confusion among parents and students alike.
"The three schools at the heart of Causeway Academy have been thrown into total disarray," says Cara Hunter, an assembly member from the SDLP. She highlights the lack of a clear future site for the academy and questions how the amalgamation will proceed.
But here's where it gets controversial: originally, a single new school building was suggested for Causeway Academy on Ulster University's Coleraine campus. However, with no new construction underway, the academy will operate across the three separate sites, meaning students in different years will be educated at different schools.
This has led to concerns about the new school's operational structure and has sparked debates among parents. In a previous consultation, many parents expressed worries about reduced parental choice and the potential disruption caused by merging schools without a dedicated new building.
The five Dunluce governors, in their letter to the Education Authority, criticized the project leaders for their "total misunderstanding of what governance is within a school." They also called for independent oversight, agreed upon by all parties, to work with the interim board of governors and ensure the final months of preparation are effective and fit for purpose.
The reactions to this situation have been varied. Claire Sugden, an independent member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, believes the Department of Education must take responsibility for the ongoing uncertainty. She highlights the lack of clarity provided by the department and the challenges it has created for families and staff, who are left in limbo.
"People need to know what the long-term plan is," Sugden said. "Where will the school be based, and when will that happen?"
Cara Hunter emphasizes the seriousness of the situation and calls for Education Minister Paul Givan to intervene. She believes Givan should provide clarity and restore confidence in the vision of an inclusive, integrated Causeway Academy before the situation deteriorates further.
Education officials, in their statement, acknowledge the differences of opinion arising from the "process of change." They assure that the EA will work with stakeholders to deliver improvements in sustainable education through the amalgamation.
The spokesperson also highlights the work of the interim principal, who has been collaborating with the interim board, current school principles, and the EA to ensure a smooth opening for the school.
However, the Department of Education's response, referring to Education Minister Givan's previous statements, highlights the financial constraints that have led to the three-site model. Givan acknowledges that a single site would be ideal but states that the necessary funds are not available within the department's capital budget.
"It's not acceptable that we're in this situation," Givan said. "I don't believe it's the best outcome, but it's a reality we must deal with."
The future of Causeway Academy remains uncertain, and the debate over its formation continues. What do you think? Should the focus be on minimizing student movement, or is a dedicated new school building essential for a successful merger? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
