Schools in Ballymena report 26 pupils absent at the start of the September 2025 term following unrest linked to anti-migrant disturbances in Ballymena and Larne last summer.

Ulster Teachers’ Union General Secretary Jacquie White stated that six of those pupils changed schools and 20 left Northern Ireland entirely.

White noted the absent pupils came from vulnerable migrant families.

She said schools lacked direction and support from the Department of Education and managing authorities during the events.

White described schools as intended safe spaces for children amid community tensions in Northern Ireland.

The union calls for Rapid Response Protocols to provide schools with a centrally agreed action plan for future unrest.

White said such scenarios exceed what schools should handle alone.

The UTU will discuss the issue at its annual conference in Limavady on March 19-20.