Following speculation around the resignation of the entire Board of Governors at Erne Integrated College in recent days, the principal of the school has confirmed that nine out of the 11 governors have resigned.

However, while Jimmy Jackson-Ware confirmed the resignation of the nine governors, no reason as to why they have stepped down has been put forward.

Mr. Jackson-Ware released a statement via the school's social media stating this and thanking the governors for "their support, hard work and commitment to our school during their respective tenures in office".

His statement said: "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."

READ MORE: Fermanagh school at centre of inappropriate behaviour allegations

Mr. Jackson-Ware goes on to explain that there is no connection between his retirement and the resignations.

"My planned retirement 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.

"Right from the inception of integrated education I have been a passionate supporter of the movement which I believe is a vital force for positive change in Northern Ireland.

"I feel very honoured and privileged to be the principal of an integrated school. Since my appointment as principal in September, 2015, the school has experienced significant improvement in terms of the built environment, curriculum development, working relationships and student academic achievement.

"This could not have been achieved without the hard work, dedication and support of both the staff and governors during my eight-year tenure and I offer my heartfelt thanks.

"My passion for integrated education remains the same, and I wish Erne Integrated College every success in the future.

"I will continue to be the principal of Erne Integrated College until my retirement on August 31."

The Department of Education were contacted about the issues surrounding at Erne Integrated College.

A spokesperson for the Department 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.”

The school had an inspection carried out by the Education and Training Inspectorate Northern Ireland (ETINI) in March.

A report of this ETINI inspection was published on April 18, and was a third follow-up inspection of the school since the original inspection in April, 2012.

The other two follow-up inspections took place in June, 2015, and May, 2017.

In the key findings in relation to safeguarding, the report stated the school's arrangements for safeguarding are unsatisfactory.

The areas which must be improved urgently include providing the staff with the relevant training in relation to child protection and safeguarding, and ensuring the procedures and evaluation of the effectiveness of the arrangements for safeguarding are robust, including the review and update of key safeguarding and child protection policies.