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Controlled education sector
The controlled sector is the largest education sector in Northern Ireland. There are 552 controlled schools in Northern Ireland, representing 49% of all schools. Read more about controlled schools success here.
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 (2020/21):
• 146,138 pupils attend controlled schools
• 61% of pupils in controlled schools are Protestant, 10% are Catholic, 29% are ‘other’
• 39.5% of newcomer pupils in Northern Ireland attend controlled schools
• 28% 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.