A new integrated post-primary school in the Mid Down area is set to open in September 2026, with provision in place for students aged 11-19.
Mid Down Integrated College has confirmed it will replace Blackwater Integrated College, with an initial school community of 600 pupils.
Approval for the new school was granted in October 2023 and the newly formed Interim Board of Governors, made up of members of the parental steering group which successfully petitioned a development proposal, said progress towards the opening is well underway.
Neil McGrath, chair of the Interim Board of Governors for Mid Down Integrated College, said: “We have been working hard and taking positive steps towards the opening of the new Mid Down Integrated College, which is set to open its doors in September 2026.
“The Department of Education is in the process of preparing a project brief to enable the procurement of an integrated consultant team to initially carry out technical/feasibility stages required in terms of the preferred site and required accommodation.”
Sandra Patterson, deputy chair of the Interim Board of Governors for Mid Down Integrated College, added: “The new Mid Down Integrated College will replace Blackwater Integrated College on a less restricted site and will accommodate 600 pupils. The new school will represent the needs and requirements of the Mid Down area and the Blackwater Integrated College community.
“The interim board members have been working closely with the students of Blackwater Integrated College to understand everything from their uniform to their own aspirations for the new school. We are forming everything with them, and our future pupils, in mind.”
The first open night for the new college has already been set for January 2026, though any student currently registered in Blackwater Integrated College will automatically transfer across into the new school in September 2026.
Stephen Taylor, principal of Blackwater Integrated College, commented: “It is an exciting time for our students as the plans are very much underway for a new school which will enable them to avail of the many benefits that are vital to support children of all abilities and backgrounds.
“Every young person should have access to high-quality, inclusive education and we are pleased to announce that Mid Down Integrated College will also have specialist provision in place for SEN students in Years 8-12.
“The demand for the provision of integrated education continues to increase across Northern Ireland. Mid Down Integrated College is building on the current integrated primary schools in the locality, including Killyleagh IPS, Millennium IPS, Cedar IPS and Drumlins IPS, which have all been strong advocates for the formation of the new college.”
Paul Caskey, chief executive of the Integrated Education Fund (IEF), said the news of the opening is another major step forward for the integrated education movement.
“We recognise and applaud the hard work involved in these initial stages,” he said.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Interim Board of Governors to support the development of this new school which will join the existing network of integrated schools in the Mid Down area and offer an integrated education to 600 post-primary students.”