23/05/2006

Minister visits integrated primary school

Education Minister, Maria Eagle, has today heard views on Northern Ireland's education system from the 'chalk-face' during a visit to Lough View Integrated Primary, Belfast.

Speaking after a tour of the school, which accommodates 412 pupils in Castlereagh, the Minister said: "I am currently in an intensive round of meetings with key stakeholders in the education system, so that I can hear at first hand their views on a range of educational issues.

"There is much to be celebrated in Northern Ireland's education system, as I saw and heard here today from the teachers and pupils at Lough View. I am determined that Northern Ireland's education system will be world class, and that every child has the opportunity to achieve his or her full potential. Improving educational opportunities is one of the best ways of tackling disadvantage and narrowing the gap in outcomes between those who do best and those who do worst in our educational system.

"We are implementing an exciting programme of reform and improvement across the education system, from pre-school to further and higher education to ensure that through education, every child and young person gets the very best start in life. This is crucial not just for our economy, but for society as a whole.

"I have been impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm of all those involved in education I have met so far, and look forward to working with them to make a world class education system for Northern Ireland a reality."

(SP/KMcA)

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