Erne Integrated College principal says governors walk out 'no impact' on school

A Northern Ireland principal has said the mass resignation of governors is a temporary situation and the school continues to function as normal.

Erne Integrated College principal Jimmy Jackson-Ware also dismissed reports of his own resignation saying he was remaining in position until his retirement in the summer.

Nine out of 11 members of the board of governors at the Co Fermanagh school resigned in an unprecedented move.

The reason behind their departure is unknown.

The school is attended by around 350 pupils and 75 staff.

In a statement to UTV News, Principal Jimmy Jackson-Ware said Erne Integrated College can confirm that 9 out of 11 governors of the Board have resigned."

"Erne Integrated College would like to thank the governors for their support, hard work, and commitment to the school during their respective tenures of office. 

"The Principal will remain in post until his retirement date. The Principal and Senior Leadership Team will continue to lead and manage the school. 

"The resignation of the governors is a temporary situation.  The school will continue to function as normal.

"The school has sought support for Governance from NICIE and will seek support from EA and DE."

In a statement post on the school's Facebook page, Principal Jackson-Ware, who took up the post in 2015, said their resignation was "a temporary situation".

He continued: "I would to thank the governors for their support, hard work and commitment to our school during their respective tenures of office."

In April, the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) published a report stating that the school's "arrangements for safeguarding were unsatisfactory".

The report further added that the ETI would return to the school within six weeks to "evaluate and report on the progress in addressing the unsatisfactory arrangements for safeguarding".

The Department for Education said: “The Board of Governors of a Grant Maintained Integrated (GMI) school is the managing authority. 

“The Department is liaising with NICIE and the school to clarify the current position and appropriate options for maintaining effective governance going forward.

"The Principal and senior leadership team continue to manage the normal day to day functioning of the school and NICIE is currently offering support and guidance.”

In a written statement, Mr Jackson-Ware wrote: "Contrary to the media reports I remain as principal, as do my senior leadership team and we continue to lead and manage this school.

"The resignation of the governors is a temporary situation. The school will continue to function as normal and there will be no impact on the high quality learning and teaching that takes place in Erne Integrated College."

In relation to Mr Jackson-Ware's retirement, he said it has "absolutely nothing to do with the governor resignations".

"I turned 60 years of age in November 2022. After 35 years of very rewarding and fulfilling teaching service, including 18 years as a principal I made the decision to retire."

The principal outlined that he will continue in his role until 31 August 2023.

Justin McCamphill, from teaching union NASUWT, told UTV that it "is unusual for this type of situation to arise and we are offering our support to our members in the school".

"They're going to have to work through a very difficult situation.

"It's important that the school is given the space by everyone to work through that and we're calling on the Department for Education to provide support to the school."

He added: "The day-to-day management will still lie with the principal and the senior management, and that's the case for any school at anytime.

"The governors have an important role in terms of oversight in agreeing the strategic direction of the school, so it wouldn't be good for a vacuum to be there for a long time."

A spokesperson for the Education and Training Inspectorate said: “The Education and Training Inspectorate does not comment on the work of any individual school beyond what is contained in a published report.

“A further report will issue after inspectors return to the school.”

The Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education have been contacted for comment.

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