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 (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.