Education is a key mechanism for the restoration of inter-community relations in post-conflict societies. The Northern Ireland school system remains divided along sectarian lines. Much research has been conducted into the efficacy of initiatives developed to bring children together across this divide but there has been an absence of studies into…

The contact hypothesis has arguably been the leading theoretical paradigm for educational interventions in divided societies. However most of the studies with children have been quantitative, focusing on contact outcomes and failing to take account of children's views. Therefore this paper presents the findings of a qualitative study of…

The purpose of this paper is to compare the approach to promoting positive relationships between Catholics and Protestants in two types of integrated primary school in Northern Ireland. Drawing on qualitative interviews with teachers, governors and parents in one transforming school and one grant maintained integrated school, i.e. one…