Two sites identified for new Mid Down Integrated College

Two sites identified for new Mid Down Integrated College

23 October 2024

EDUCATION Minister Paul Givan has confirmed that two potential development sites for the new Mid Down Integrated College have been identified.

In a written Stormont response, Mr Givan confirmed the sites have been identified by Land and Property Services.

Mr Givan said the Department of Education has been working with stakeholders to determine the scope of the required works ahead of appointing an integrated consultant team for the new multi-million pound school.

Education chiefs are in the process of preparing a development brief to enable consultants to initially carry out the technical and feasibility stages required to move to the procurement stage to deliver what is expected to be a multi-million pound development.

The new school aims to meet a pressing demand for integrated education in the area and build on the success of integrated primary schools in Killyleagh, Saintfield, Crossgar and Ballynahinch.

Formal approval for the new 600-pupil Mid Down College was granted last October.

It will address a lack of sixth form places and allow pupils with special educational needs the opportunity to access their education in a mainstream setting in their local area.

Those behind the drive for the new school say it will ensure that some of the unmet demand in the area is addressed.

It will be Northern Ireland’s first integrated post-primary to be built in two decades.

Members of the new school’s interim board of governors have been working with Blackwater Integrated College in Downpatrick which will close, with students automatically transferring to the new school in September 2026.

News that two development sites are in the running has been welcomed by Strangford MLA Nick Mathison who submitted a written question to the Department of Education.

Mr Mathison recently visited Blackwater College, which he described as an “outstanding school.”

His visit included discussions about the two potential sites under consideration by the Department of Education.

Mr Mathison met with staff, students  and junior leaders who have been working on issues in the school, including mobile phone usage and the school uniform.

He said he was also impressed by the junior leaders, who raised important issues and concerns affecting both their school and the wider Northern Ireland community.

“The level of meaningful engagement between students and their education is very encouraging,” Mr Mathison continued, commending Blackwater for its “remarkable progress” in supporting children with special educational needs.

“The dedication of the staff in meeting the individual needs of each pupil is exemplary and should serve as a model for schools across Northern Ireland,” he said.

“Staff also raised some of the challenges they are facing with transport for pupils and I will be raising this with the Education Authority.”

Mr Mathison added: “I will continue to work with Blackwater to address these concerns and will also advocate for the school’s excellent work in caring for its students.”

The first open night of the new school will be in January 2026.