THE FUTURE OF INTEGRATED EDUCATION IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Join us for a compelling panel discussion exploring the future of integrated education in Northern Ireland. Our panellists include Paul Caskey (Chief Executive Officer of the Integrated Education Fund), Stephen Roulston (Honorary Research Fellow at Ulster University) and Michele Marken (former Principal of St Joseph’s College).

The panel will reflect on the history of integrated education and consider how recent developments — including the 2022 Integrated Education Act and recent decisions on Bangor Academy and Rathmore Primary School — may shape the future of the integrated sector within Northern Ireland’s wider education system.

Panellist biographies

Paul Caskey was the IEF Head of Campaign for over 24 years before being appointed as Chief Executive in July 2024. A graduate of Queen’s University Belfast and Trinity College Dublin, where he completed a Master’s Degree in Peace Studies, Paul has worked in the not-for-profit sector for over 30 years. In June 2021, Paul received an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to education.

Dr Stephen Roulston is an Honorary Research Fellow at Ulster University and was formerly Course Director for PGCE Geography and the Master of Education in Higher Education Practice. After teaching Geography and Geology in a range of schools in Northern Ireland, he worked in eLearning for a decade, joining Ulster University in 2009. Dr Roulston’s research interests include the challenges of education in a divided society.

Michele Marken OBE is former Principal of St Joseph’s College, Belfast, an 11–18 all-ability Catholic Maintained secondary school. During her leadership, the school became known for welcoming children from newcomer families and for developing a strong post-16 curriculum combining A-level and vocational subjects. She has chaired and supported many educational, cross-community and charitable organisations, and remains active in mentoring and voluntary service.