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We will be working to promote controlled schools and the sector. If you have something to celebrate, please let us know.

Emma Hylands, Principal, Clare Primary School and Paul Givan, Education Minister

CSSC Excellence in Educational Research Award: Emma Hylands, Clare Primary School

29 May 2026

Emma Hylands, Principal of Clare Primary School, Tandragee, has been named as this year's recipient of the CSSC Excellence in Educational Research Award, presented by Education Minister Paul Givan MLA at Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

Left to right Photo (1) Paul Givan, Education Minister; Thornfield House Special School and Mark Baker, Chief Executive, CSSC. Photo (2) Peter Martin MLA; Mark Baker, Chief Executive, CSSC; Jayne Millar, Head of Education Support, CSSC; David Brooks MLA and David Malcom, Permanent Secretary, Department of Education. Photo (3) Emma Hylands, Principal, Clare Primary School being presented an award by Paul Givan, Education Minister. Photo (4) Close up of pupils from Thornfield House Special School choir.

Education Minister recognises excellence in controlled school leadership and launches CSSC’s launch Building Capacity: Leading Improvement publication

29 May 2026

Controlled school leaders from across Northern Ireland were joined by the Education Minister at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, for a celebration of evidence-informed school improvement in the controlled sector.

The Controlled Schools' Support Council's Building Capacity Programme has, since 2019, supported school leaders to drive sustained improvement, rooted in research, tested in classrooms, and focused on what matters most: outcomes for children and young people.