Northern Ireland’s Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, paid a visit to Integrated College Dungannon last week to celebrate the role of integrated education in bringing communities together.
During the visit, he heard directly from students about how learning side by side helps build friendships and understanding across traditional divides. He also took part in the school’s 30th anniversary celebrations by planting an acorn tree – a symbol of growth and new beginnings.
The school itself has come a long way since opening its doors in 1995 with just 60 pupils and 10 staff. Today, it’s thriving with around 780 pupils and 130 staff.
As part of his trip, Mr Benn joined a roundtable with A-Level students to talk about how integrated education can strengthen reconciliation and community bonds.
The visit comes as the Government confirmed a £2 million funding boost for integrated education in Northern Ireland, announced in the 2025 Spending Review.
Speaking after the visit, the Secretary of State said:
“Integrated education is reconciliation in action. Every day, young people from different backgrounds are learning together, forming friendships, and building a shared experience that will help shape Northern Ireland’s future.
Our mission is to help every child to achieve and thrive at school, through excellent teaching and high standards. This £2 million investment demonstrates our commitment to breaking down barriers to opportunity through practical action, not just words.
Through this Government’s Plan for Change, we want to ensure children are given the best start in life, and by investing in integrated education, we are investing in the next generation who will continue to build upon Northern Ireland’s lasting peace”.
Maura McKenna, Vice Principal of Integrated College Dungannon said:
“It was fantastic to welcome the Secretary of State to school today to see the positive impact of integrated education in action.
Every day, we see the benefits of young people from different backgrounds learning together, forming a diverse range of friendships, and developing an understanding and respect that will serve them throughout their lives”.
The IEF and NICIE jointly said:
‘This generous funding from the UK Government will help to support the growth of Integrated Education across Northern Ireland.
Integrated schools intentionally educate children and young people of all religious, social and cultural backgrounds, together in the same school, where every day pupils can learn with, from and about each other.
This support will help deliver high-quality Integrated Education that prepares young people for success, fostering relationships essential to Northern Ireland’s continued peace and prosperity”.