Paul Givan confirms new support body for controlled schools

A new dedicated body is to be established to support controlled schools in Northern Ireland.

Controlled schools are state-funded, non‑denominational schools managed by the Education Authority (EA).

The new body confirmed by Education Minister Paul Givan aimed to deliver school improvement and governance support.

The announcement came in the wake of an eight-week public consultation that involved more than half of all controlled school principals.

More than 90% of respondents agreed that support for controlled schools must improve and 84% backed the creation of a dedicated organisation.

Mr Givan said school leaders “have spoken with a clear and united voice”.

“Controlled schools, which educate half of our pupils, have long lacked the parity, advocacy and tailored support they need,” he said.

The new organisation would become the managing authority for controlled schools, and its remit would mirror that of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS).

In responding to the consultation, CCMS said that establishing a dedicated organisation for controlled schools “would bring the sector into line with the statutory arrangements that have long benefited the Catholic maintained sector, strengthening equity and balance across the education system”.

Mr Givan said he would “move immediately to bring these proposals back to the Executive and press for their inclusion in the legislative programme”.

“We must act decisively to deliver the dedicated support that controlled schools both need and deserve,” he said.