TWO schools under threat of closure are to make bids to become integrated.
Parental ballots held at Straid PS near Ballyclare and St Anne’s in Donagadee have backed integrated status.
All parents who voted at Straid supported the switch, while 96 per cent at St Anne’s said yes, with both now set to compile development proposals, which will be submitted to the Department of Education.
Minister Michelle McIlveen will make the final decision.
However, it comes as both schools face the prospect of closure.
In May, the Education Authority (EA) launched a consultation with parents, teaching staff and governors over the future of Straid PS and put forward a proposal for its closure from September 2023.
In 2019, St Anne's PS was also identified by the EA as having sustainability issues.
Roisin Marshall from the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education said the outcome of the ballots was "evidence of the demand for integrated education within the parent bodies".
"We will continue to support the schools to develop their vision of a sustainable integrated primary schools serving all members of the local community," she said.
Tina Merron from the Integrated Education Fund added: "This reflects the growing interest and demand for integrated education from parents, schools and local communities.
"In particular, Straid has traditionally only attracted pupils from mainly one side of the local community and it is clear that there is a real desire to reach out and welcome parents and children of all faiths and none into the school."
