About Causeway Academy
We are a new 11-18 Controlled Integrated school for the Causeway area, opening on 1 September 2026.
Our school brings together Coleraine College, Dunluce School, and North Coast Integrated College. Through our partnership with Ulster University, we are building a supportive and inclusive community where every student is valued and can achieve their full potential.
Principal's welcome
Welcome to Causeway Academy
It is a privilege to serve as the Principal Designate of this exciting new integrated post-primary school, opening in September 2026. Causeway Academy represents a bold and hopeful step forward for education on the North Coast, one that places inclusion, aspiration, and community at its heart.
Our vision is to create a learning environment where every young person feels valued, challenged, and supported. We are building a school that celebrates diversity, nurtures curiosity, and empowers students to thrive academically, socially, and personally.
As we prepare for our opening, we are working closely with staff, and local partners to ensure a smooth and inspiring transition. Whether your child is joining us in Year 8, continuing their journey in Key Stage 4, or preparing for sixth form, Causeway Academy will be a place where they can grow, achieve, and belong.
Thank you for joining us at the beginning of this journey. I look forward to welcoming you to our school community.
Warm regards,
Ruth Harkness
Principal Designate
Causeway Academy's Vision & Values
Our Ethos
Our Vision
Our Mission Statement
Causeway Academy’s mission is to foster a welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing learning community built on the core Principles of Integrated Education (Equality, Faith and Values, Parental Involvement and Social Responsibility), celebrating success and empowering every student to achieve their full potential and contribute positively to the global community.
We will achieve this by:
Fostering Strong Partnerships and a Student-Centred Ethos
Collaborating closely with parents, carers, and the wider community, recognizing their invaluable role in student success. We are dedicated to creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment that places the needs of each individual child at its core, promoting pupil-centred learning and nurturing future leaders.
Nurturing Holistic Development and Strong Relationships
Prioritising exceptional pastoral care, robust safeguarding, and comprehensive holistic support that nurtures the well-being, emotional maturity, and personal growth of every student and staff member. We are committed to building and maintaining positive, respectful relationships with all stakeholders, both locally and globally.
Delivering Educational Excellence and Inspiring Future Leaders
Providing a broad, challenging, and accessible curriculum that ignites aspiration, develops essential life skills, and rigorously prepares students for success in a complex world. We foster academic excellence through high-quality teaching, innovative learning, and continuous professional development for our staff.
Empowering Through Opportunity and Tailored Support (Including SEN)
We are committed to adopting bespoke learning experiences, including comprehensive Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision, to meet the individual needs of each student, ensuring they have the targeted support required to thrive and reach their full potential. Providing a wealth of diverse enrichment activities through curricular & extra-curricular opportunities that allow students to explore their unique interests and talents.
Championing Integration and Celebrating Diversity
Cultivating a richly diverse and inclusive environment where every member of the school community, irrespective of background, ability, or beliefs, is deeply valued, respected, and actively heard. We foster learning from and about each other, engaging with our differences to build a strong community committed to mutual understanding.
Partnering with Ulster University and forging innovation
Driving the strategic partnership with Ulster University to enhance learning opportunities, provide pathways for further education, and enrich the educational experience for our students and staff.
Our Core Values
Our core values are the principles that guide our actions and decisions. They are the beliefs that guide everything we do
Respect & Integrity
- “Respect is a two-way street, if you want to get it, you’ve got to give it.” – R.G. Risch
- “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” – C.S. Lewis
Inclusiveness & Acceptance
- “Inclusion is not a matter of political correctness. It is the key to growth.” – Jesse Jackson
- “Accepting others’ differences is the first step towards building a more inclusive and compassionate world. – Dalai Lama
Aspiration & Excellence
- “To make a difference, you have to have large aspirations.” – Roshni Nadar
- “Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” – Pat Riley
Nurture & Compassion
- “Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think.” – Benjamin Disraeli
- “Education teaches us compassion and kindness, connection to others.” – Jill Biden
Leadership Team
Ruth Harkness
Principal Designate
Ruth Harkness
Principal Designate
Ruth Harkness
Principal Designate
Ruth Harkness
Principal Designate