Controlled education sector

The modern controlled schools sector is a large, diverse and distinctive education system.

It is

• Church related
• Diverse in provision and governance
• Inclusive in making provision for children and young people from all backgrounds
• Aspirational in seeking to provide the best possible education.

Breakdown of controlled schools by Type (2021/22):

• 147,131 pupils attend controlled schools
• 59% of pupils in controlled schools are Protestant, 11% are Catholic, 30% are ‘other’
• 42% of newcomer pupils in Northern Ireland attend controlled schools
• 29% of controlled pupils are entitled to free school meals
• 96% of controlled schools are members of the Controlled Schools’ Support Council

Controlled schools are managed by the Education Authority through Boards of Governors.