Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the DE consultation on proposals to establish a new independent organisation with full statutory duties to manage and support controlled schools.
Q1: Why is this change needed?
A: Controlled Schools, which educate almost 150,000 children across 545 schools have long been without the benefit of dedicated, focused support. The Independent Review of Education found current arrangements "suboptimal," noting that the EA's broad remit across all sectors creates "competing priorities" that limit its capacity to provide focused support to controlled schools.
The consequences are clear in persistent performance gaps. GCSE data since 2012 shows that Catholic maintained schools have consistently outperformed controlled schools by between 8 and 12.6 percentage points, despite controlled schools having lower levels of Free School Meal entitlement. Controlled schools are also historically more likely to require external support to improve education provision and to enter the Formal Intervention Process than Catholic maintained schools.
The Review attributed these differences partly to "a positive ethos within the maintained sector fostered by strong leadership and school support from CCMS," whilst noting that "principals in the controlled sector have suggested that the Education Authority is stretched too thin and is conflicted by servicing all school types."
The Review recommends creating a statutory body to ensure fair, focused, and strategic support and challenge.
Q2: What will this cost and will it create duplication?
A: This is about better utilising existing resources, avoiding duplication and significant new costs. It is envisaged that the new organisation will primarily be built from existing resources, staff and budgets currently supporting controlled schools through CSSC (18 staff, £1.1 million), the Controlled Schools Unit within EA (£1.2 million), plus relevant EA roles in governance, school improvement and area planning.
This brings support together under one focused body with clear accountability addressing the Independent Review's finding that current arrangements are "suboptimal" due to competing priorities.
For context, the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) supports around 370 Catholic maintained schools with approximately 46 staff and a £4 million budget, though with broader responsibilities than the proposed new organisation which will support 545 controlled schools.
There is also potential to share business support services with other education bodies to improve efficiency and value for money.
Q3: What role did the Ministerial Taskforce play?
A: Following the Independent Review's recommendations, the Minister established a Controlled Schools' Taskforce in September 2024 to develop practical proposals for better supporting the sector.
The Taskforce, chaired by the Chief Executive of CSSC with senior representatives from the Department of Education and EA, consulted directly with school leaders to understand their lived experience and examine how best to support controlled schools. It issued its report in December 2024.
The Taskforce provided a model for long-term transformation built on feedback from school leaders about what they needed: a dedicated organisation with statutory powers to lead, advocate, and deliver focused support for the sector.
Q4: What is being proposed for Controlled Schools in Northern Ireland?
A: The Department of Education (DE) is consulting on the creation of a new independent statutory organisation to manage and support Controlled Schools. This would replace the current arrangements shared between the Education Authority and the Controlled Schools’ Support Council and provide focused, equitable support for the sector. The consultation also seeks views on the immediate establishment of a Controlled Schools Unit (CSU) within the Education Authority to deliver tangible improvements in the short to medium term while legislation is prepared for the new organisation.
Q5: What will the new organisation do?
A: The new organisation will have statutory powers to provide strategic leadership, champion the Controlled sector, and deliver tailored support in areas like school improvement, governance, leadership development, and area planning.
Specifically, it will:
It will provide a clear statutory voice for the sector in education policy, ensuring controlled schools are effectively represented.
Q6: What are the benefits for schools and pupils?
A: Schools will receive more responsive, sector-specific support and challenge with clear sectoral accountability to the Department The new organisation will build on CSSC's successful relational approach founded on trust, open dialogue and responsiveness to schools' needs but with the statutory powers to deliver comprehensive support.
Pupils will benefit from improved outcomes, stronger leadership, and a more consistent educational experience. The organisation will provide early intervention and support where challenges are identified, supporting schools to close the persistent performance gap and ensure every child has the best opportunity to succeed.
This is about equity, excellence, and giving controlled schools the same level of dedicated support that other sectors receive.
Q7: Is this a criticism of the Education Authority?
A: Absolutely not. The EA has worked hard to support all schools across all sectors. This change recognises that Controlled Schools like other sectors, need a dedicated body to ensure fair and focused support. The Independent Review made clear that the issue is structural and not about EA's commitment or capability.
The new organisation will build on EA's work and allow EA to focus more effectively on its wider responsibilities for all sectors, including universal services like school transport, admissions, and Special Educational Needs provision. EA will retain important responsibilities including school ownership, estate management, and its overarching legal responsibilities for school improvement across all sectors.
Q8: What's the timeline for change?
A: The Department is taking a phased approach:
Phase 1: A Controlled Schools Unit has been established within the EA to deliver immediate improvements and provide a transitional pathway towards longer-term transformation. The EA is actively engaging with schools to ensure the Unit is responsive to their needs.
Phase 2: A new statutory organisation will be created through primary legislation to provide long-term, independent and focused support. The legislation will need to be passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly. Subject to Executive agreement, the Department proposes to introduce a standalone Bill to establish the new organisation and define its role and functions.
Whilst Phase 1 will provide immediate improvement, the Unit sits within EA's broader governance structures with competing priorities and cannot achieve full independence or a primary focus on the controlled sector which is why Phase 2 is essential.
Q9: Can I have my say?
A: Yes! This is a once in a generation opportunity to shape the future of Controlled Schools. The consultation is open until 11 December 2025 at 11:59pm.
Please complete the short online questionnaire 👉https://bit.ly/4qtP4vc
This represents the most significant opportunity in decades to secure dedicated, equitable support for controlled schools. Your voice matters.
