Photograph: Getty ImagesThere are 25 communities across Northern Ireland, mainly rural areas west of the Bann, that face an imminent decision. As a result, an extraordinary 40 per cent of all schools in Northern Ireland will be unviable by 2033, up from a quarter today. Multiple sectors – Catholic, state, grammar, integrated, Irish-medium – inevitably lead to excess capacity. Examples of formal and informal integration can already be found in villages around Northern Ireland, initiated by state and Catholic schools. [ For Northern Ireland, being a bit better than collapse is not good enoughOpens in new window ]

Source: The Irish Times April 09, 2026 17:52 UTC