Research undertaken by Stranmillis University College is at the heart of a vital new resource to address sectarian bullying among children and young people in Northern Ireland, launched this month by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA). The ‘All Together’ guide for the children’s workforce, research report and free CPD-certified online training course, draws on work conducted by the Centre for Research in Educational Underachievement (CREU) in partnership with the ABA.
The research, which included surveys and focus groups with young people across Northern Ireland, uncovered troubling evidence of persistent sectarian bullying, ranging from verbal abuse to physical violence and social exclusion. The findings also revealed a worrying trend: many young people are desensitized to sectarian abuse and often do not report incidents unless they escalate to physical harm.
Stranmillis’ research emphasizes the urgent need for schools, youth services, and community organizations to proactively address sectarian bullying. Encouragingly, the study also highlights the positive impact of shared education and open dialogue in reducing prejudice and fostering inclusion.
Building on this evidence, Stranmillis collaborated with the ABA to create practical, research-informed resources. The ‘All Together’ guide and the accompanying online training course are designed to equip educators, youth workers, and community leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to identify, prevent, and respond effectively to sectarian bullying.
The initiative is supported by the Reconciliation Fund of the Republic of Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, reinforcing the importance of cross-community efforts in creating safer, more inclusive environments for young people.
Speaking about the launch, Director of Research and Scholarship and Stranmillis University College, Professor Noel Purdy OBE said “This Guide and Online Training Course for the Children’s Workforce (i.e. professionals that work with children and young people), based on our timely piece of research, shines a spotlight on a problem that is too often overlooked or trivialised as normal and acceptable behaviour. Drawing on the voices of children and young people themselves, it provides a compelling and at times deeply uncomfortable account of how sectarian attitudes and behaviours continue to blight their lives. It also reveals how such bullying behaviour is experienced, responded to and, in some cases, ignored.”
For more information and to access the resources, visit the Anti-Bullying Alliance’s website here: https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/aba-our-work/news-opinion/preventing-sectarian-bullying-launching-all-together-guide-and-training
On Tuesday 26 May 2025, final year student teachers from Stranmillis University College became the first cohort to take part in a newly launched Digital Skills Academy course, delivered through the Centre for Digital Innovation and Technology (CDIT). 
The College, in partnership with Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, and supported Energia’s Greener Possibilities fund and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a pioneering new outdoor learning and environmental education facility designed to prepare future teachers to lead the way in sustainability and climate education.
The initiative is designed to boost teacher confidence in delivering climate and environmental education, a goal rooted in global research: a UNESCO study found that while 95% of teachers see climate education as important, less than 30% feel ready to teach it.
As environmental challenges intensify globally, initiatives like Generation Nature offer a hopeful blueprint—empowering the next generation of educators to lead meaningful change from their own classrooms.
The 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day has been commemorated by a special event held ion the Stranmillis campus. Organised by the Lord Lieutenant of Belfast and the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Northern Ireland (RFCA NI), supported by 38 (Irish) Brigade, the event included the firing of a Royal Gun Salute to mark the second anniversary of the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Traditionally held in Hillsborough Castle. This is the first time that a Royal Gun Salute has been held in Belfast since 1999, and a huge honour for the College
Thanking the participants and guests, The Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle DBE DStJ DDL said, “Today’s event is a sensitive balance of reflection and celebration. It commemorates enormous sacrifice and acknowledges the steadfast resilience of those who lived through World War II. Indeed, it is a fitting tribute that we hold this event in Belfast which suffered so much especially during the Blitz. And even more significant is the choice of Stranmillis University College as host venue which was repurposed as a military hospital from 1939-1944.”
