22 May Growth for Ulidia
The Board of Governors, Principal and staff of Ulidia Integrated College, Carrickfergus, are delighted with the announcement from the Education Minister, Mr John O’Dowd, that he has approved our application to increase our admission number from 80 to 100 and our overall enrolment to 620 students from September 2015 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Ulidia Integrated College has been significantly over-subscribed since its formation in 1997. The current enrolment of 500 students does not allow the number of parents who wish to avail of integrated education to do so, given that there is insufficient provision for post-primary integrated education in the East Antrim area.
Mr Eugene Martin, Principal, said, “In recent years there has been a substantial demand from parents for the quality and type of education provided by this college. Ulidia Integrated College has a proven record in providing high quality education and enjoys the confidence of its parents, pupils and the wider community. It is a very popular school. However, in the past we have had to turn away many students due to the cap on our enrolment. This announcement means that each year more students will be able to obtain their first choice preference and realise their dream of joining this successful college.”
Mr Martin continued by expressing his satisfaction that the Department of Education had taken on board its duty to encourage and facilitate the development of integrated education.
Mr Robert McAlister, Chair of the Board of Governors said, “Ulidia Integrated College is ideally placed to meet the needs of students from any background who require a post-primary place. The Board of Governors is delighted with this announcement and looks forward to meeting the needs of all those who seek to avail of integrated education in East Antrim. The Board of Governors will be meeting next week to begin planning the implementation of the Minister’s announcement.”