Bangor: ‘Baffling’ and ‘disappointing’ to reject school integration

Andrew McCracken has two children who are pupils at Bangor Academy.

Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster programme, he described Givan’s decision as “baffling”.

“I can’t believe that given that overwhelming vote in favour, a vote that any politician would die for, that parents views have disregarded.”

In a ballot, almost 80% of parents and guardians at the school voted for it to become integrated.

Mr McCracken added that the “hope and aspirations of pupils and teachers, the school community at large, and the enormous demand there is the Ards & North Down borough area for integration, that isn’t being met, has been set aside”.

Principal of Rathmore Primary School, Julie Hardy, whose bid to become integrated was also rejected by the minister, said they are “a little bit shocked” after the announcement.

“The disappointment, you can feel it in the air, around the corridor and around the playground,” Ms Hardy told the Nolan Show.

“We had a 62% turnout of our ballot. 82% voted yes. My overwhelming feeling personally is just an immense sadness. I had gone into this process with real optimism.”