Ruth Harkness has been named as principal designate of the new Causeway Academy, which will bring together Coleraine College, Dunluce School, and North Coast Integrated College. The new school is being developed in partnership with Ulster University and is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland . Advertisement Advertisement Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NorthernIrelandWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.
The co-educational, non-selective controlled integrated post-primary school is to be operational for September 1, 2026. The announcement of Ms Harkness’ appointment and of the name of the new school was made by the Education Authority and the Interim Board of Governors. She will lead the amalgamation of the three schools when she takes up the post in October 2024.
Ms Harkness has a wealth of experience and notable achievements spanning two decades. Prior to taking up her current role, Ms Harkness spent 14 years in Neston High School, her final four years as an assistant headteacher, a large 11-18 co-educational secondary academy in Cheshire, England. Advertisement Advertisement She said: “I am honoured to lead this new integrated school in partnership with Ulster University, bringing three schools in the Causeway area together to create a shared vision and collective ambition valued by all in our community.
"Our students deserve the best, and I am committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and academically enriching env.
