Integrated education in Fermanagh received another resounding affirmation last week with the offcial opening of the latest extension to Enniskillen Integrated Primary School.

Indeed, this may well have been a £6.9m investment – and the growth of the school in terms of pupil numbers and staff has been exponential since its formation in 1989 – but the real success of this school could be seen for all who attended the official opening in the performances of the young children who took to the stage to entertain the assembled special guests and dignitaries.

The pupils deservedly received a standing ovation for their performances, and in so doing, they shone a bright beacon in support of their ever-growing school that spoke louder than any speech.

As such then, this was a red letter day for the school that opened in 1989 with 63 pupils in several mobile buildings.

Today, the school has 452 pupils and 52 staff, and this latest extension has perfectly complemented the first permanent build for Enniskillen Integrated PS which opened in 2008.

Chair of the Board of Governors, Neil Jardine, outlined these developments and added: “The overriding ethos of Integrated Education – equality, non-secular faith and values, social responsibility – are the cornerstone of what happens within these walls each and every day; student-centred teaching provided by aspirational teachers, all delivered with pastoral care at the heart of everything we do.

“I must take this opportunity to record the sincere thanks of the Governors and parents to all our staff, teachers, classroom assistants, ancillary and visiting specialists.

“Your commitment to our values and your willingness to go the extra mile without having to be asked enriches our children and provides them with exceptional experiences.”

He also paid tribute to the current principal, Adele Kerr, “our visionary”, saying: “Nothing happens in our school that doesn’t have the stamp of Adele on it, either directly or by virtue of the leadership she provides to the staff under her care.”

Finally, Neil lauded those who had the vision to start the school in the wake of the Enniskillen Bomb in 1987, namely John Maxwell, who was in attendance at the opening.

Neil said: “At the start of my address, I referred to the vision of those who established the school 34 years ago, and I am delighted that John Maxwell is here with us today.

“John has been an inspiration to all of us over the years.”

The Permanent Secretary for Education, Dr. Mark Browne, said: “It gives me great pleasure to be here to celebrate the opening of these magnificent new facilities.

“The investment of almost £7m will enhance the educational experience for everyone currently involved with Enniskillen Integrated Primary School and future generations.

“The opening of any new school extension or building is something to be celebrated. However, a building is only part of what makes a school. It is the pupils and teachers who are the heartbeat.

“I would like to commend the staff, pupils and parents for their perseverance and patience over the last number of years as the project team has taken the work through from design to planning and construction.

“These new, modern facilities will match the school’s collective enthusiasm and passion for learning and teaching as it continues on its education journey. I wish the staff and school management every success for the future in their new facilities.”

Principal Adele Kerr, in her own inimitable style, recounted the ups and downs of the 18-month construction period, paying tribute to Woodvale Construction and her own staff for getting this brilliant addition to school facilities over the line.

Belfast musician and songwriter Brian Kennedy was also in attendance to suitably sing the Van Morrison classic, ‘Days Like This’.

The young pupils though stood tallest, and as they sang their school song, ‘Bridge of Hope’, it was clear for all to see that 34 years on from humble beginnings, Enniskillen Integrated Primary School continues to build even bigger bridges and instil even greater hope within our society.

Construction work on the school extension began in June, 2021 with the new facilities opening in January, 2023, costing £6.9m..