Need for properly funded education system in Northern Ireland

Barry Mulholland, CSSC Chief Executive said,

“I would like to thank Mrs Barton for her time. It was important to CSSC, and the sector it represents, that we were able to highlight that there is insufficient funding for Northern Ireland’s education system, resulting in extreme pressures on both school budgets and essential support services.

“It was acknowledged during the meeting that a cultural disparity exists and that Protestant working class boys, despite longstanding evidence, continue to underachieve. While there are individual initiatives seeking to address this, the issue needs to be taken seriously; this cohort of young people needs a voice and the schools they attend require effective resources to tackle the challenges faced.

“Controlled school principals have repeatedly told us of their very real concerns regarding effective management of their schools as they face an increasingly complex and extremely challenging financial environment.

“Factored in to this, is the pressure on small rural schools that often play a vital role in the long term sustainability of the local community.

“Northern Ireland’s education system must be properly funded, with the necessary investment, to enable children and young people to realise their potential.

“Education should be valued given its importance to the future of Northern Ireland.” 

Date published: 20 December 2019