TWO thirds of people believe integrated education should be the main model for Northern Ireland's education system, according to a new poll.
The survey by LucidTalk has also revealed that half of respondents blame politicians for lack of progress on integrated education, while 78 per cent want teachers to be educated together.
The Northern Ireland-wide attitudinal poll on education was carried out on behalf of the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) with more than 2,500 full responses.
One of the key findings of the poll was that two thirds of the people in Northern Ireland agreed that integrated schools - educating children together, inclusive of different religions, gender, and race - should be the main model for our education system.
It also found that 65 per cent of those polled would support their school transforming to integrated status.
Those polled included 53 per cent who have children being educated in pre-school, primary and post-primary schools, plus an additional 35 per cent who have children aged over 19 years old.
Other findings reveal that 73 per cent of those who agreed that integrated education should be the norm are aged between 18- 34 years old, showing the younger generation are supportive.
The IEF said that the poll result indicates a clear majority of people in Northern Ireland, from different cultural traditions and backgrounds, support integrated education as the future of the education system.
Peter Osborne, IEF chair, said: “The timing of this Northern Ireland wide attitudinal poll is particularly apt as we reflect on the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/ Good Friday Agreement which pledged to facilitate and encourage integrated education.
"Over the past 25 years we have seen interest, support and parental demand for integrated education continue to increase.
"The poll results highlight the support for integrated education from the people of Northern Ireland.
"Despite this support, many areas in Northern Ireland remain with limited or no Integrated options available to parents.
"The IEF and its supporters will continue to support all efforts to increase integrated education provision in response to the growing demand."
