Integrated schools must maintain ‘reasonable numbers for both Protestant and Catholic pupils’ (Education Reform Order 1989). Thus in order for a school to carry integrated status the law obliges us to count the number of Catholic and Protestant children on the enrolment of the school. In the case of the school it is perhaps helpful to look at this as a matter of community background because regardless of whether we practise our religion or not, most of us in Northern Ireland have come from one of the two main traditions which are most commonly described as Protestant and Catholic. We are therefore asking you to indicate your child’s perceived cultural background. This is to comply with the Department of Education’s requirement for detailed community statistics for integrated schools.

The Board of Governors will seek to reflect in the total number admitted in the current academic year an overall balance amongst all traditions and backgrounds. In order to achieve this aim the school will:

• reserve a maximum of 20% of places for pupils other than Protestant and Catholic.

• ensure the criteria as set out below will first be applied to members of ‘Others’ in the order set down and a maximum of 20% of the available places will be awarded to this group.

• ensure the remaining places will be divided equally between Protestant and Catholic applicants.

• In the event of less than 20% of places being awarded to ‘others’ the balance will be divided equally between Protestant and Catholic applicants.

• In the event of there being an odd number of places in the excess of places remaining from the allocation to ‘other’ the additional place will be allocated to the category having the greater number of applicants.

   

  The criteria set out above will be applied separately to Protestant and Catholic applicants. In the event of there being fewer applicants from either category than places available for that category then the balance of places will firstly be available to the ‘Others’ category and secondly to the ‘remaining category’.

You can complete your application online during the above timeframe - it is quick, easy and there will be user guides and a helpline on the EA website should you need help (these documents are also located below for your convenience)

• It is very important that you submit a punctual application as any applications received after 12.00 noon on Friday 26th January 2024 will be treated as ‘late’

Admissions for Primary 1

(children starting school in September 2024)

The EA Portal for Year 1 Applications closed on Friday 26th January 2024 at 12 noon. If you were unable to attend our Open Mornings, you can arrange a private viewing by ringing 028 9261 3946 or emailing lrichards962@rowandaleips.moira.ni.sch.uk

Education Authority Admissions Information

All the relevant information you will need regarding admissions, including key dates, admissions criteria and other information that you might find helpful, is on the Education Authority website and can be accessed by clicking here.