News

Save the Date 

Controlled schools are encouraged to take part in a forthcoming webinar exploring how schools can respond to the impact of transgenerational trauma through evidence-based behaviour support.

This free online event will bring together experts from the fields of education, mental health and safeguarding to share practical insights that can help schools strengthen their support for children and young people. The webinar will be hosted by Professor Siobhán O'Neill, Mental Health Champion at Ulster University, and introduced by Chris Quinn, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People.

Date: Tuesday 15 December 2026
Time: 10.00am - 12.00 noon
Format: Live online webinar

School leaders, teachers and pastoral staff may find this session particularly valuable as they continue to develop trauma-informed approaches that support pupil wellbeing, engagement and positive behaviour.

Schools are encouraged to save the date and look out for further information on registration.

Post Primary Controlled schools are encouraged to take advantage of an exciting professional learning opportunity on 10 November (9.00am-1.00pm).

Led by Bruce Robertson's Power Up programme, this CPD event will explore practical, evidence-informed approaches to teaching, including the Science of Learning, Effective Questioning and Adaptive Teaching. It also provides an opportunity to network with colleagues from schools across the area.

Schools are invited to nominate one representative to attend.

To register, email sglasgow503@c2ken.net with the attendee's name and any accessibility or dietary requirements.

For more information, visit: https://teachingpowerups.com/.

Calling all Controlled Schools! 

Applications are now open for the Royal Society’s Young People’s Book Prize 2026. Schools selected to take part will receive a free set of six shortlisted STEM books, along with judging resources, giving pupils the opportunity to help choose the winning title.

The prize aims to promote literacy and inspire young people to engage with science through high-quality books for under-14s.

Applications close on Monday 2 November 2026, with priority given to schools in areas of greatest need and those that have not previously participated. Further information is available on the Royal Society website. Young People's Book Prize - Children's Science Books | Royal Society

Applications for the 2026 round of The Royal Society's Partnership Grants scheme close on 30 November 2026. The Partnership Grants scheme funds schools and colleges up to £3,000 to work in partnership with STEM professionals from academia or industry to run an investigative STEM project. The grants are open to all levels of education supporting students aged between 5-18.

With the deadline for the 2026 round approaching, now is an excellent time to start planning a project and identifying a STEM partner. We encourage schools and colleges to submit an application and make the most of this funding opportunity. 

We are pleased to share a success story from our own sector around this grant.

In 2025, Kilronan School in Magherafelt received a £3,000 Partnership Grant for a Year 10 SEND-focused project comparing peat-free and peat-based composts, supported by a STEM partner from CAFRE Greenmount Campus. Pupils developed enquiry skills and sustainability awareness through hands-on investigation, a site visit, and shared learning with a Primary 3 class from Thompson Primary School, offering opportunities for collaboration across different educational settings. The project shows how Partnership Grants can support inclusive, practical STEM learning.

Find out more through the Partnership Grants website. 

If you have any questions or would find any additional information useful, please do get in touch directly with The Royal Society, Emils Gedrovics, Schools’ Engagement Officer, 020 7451 2216.

The Controlled Schools' Support Council (CSSC) is pleased to share details of an upcoming professional learning opportunity being hosted by Carrickfergus Grammar School.

This exciting half-day event will focus on raising ambition and achievement during the crucial Key Stage 3 years and features two internationally respected education speakers and authors:

Mary Myatt

Educational adviser, writer and author of the highly acclaimed KS3: The Ambitious Years, Mary Myatt is widely recognised for her work on curriculum design, school improvement and high-quality teaching. 

Alex Quigley

Teacher, education consultant and author of Literacy Essentials for Every Teacher, Alex Quigley is one of the leading voices on literacy, evidence-informed practice and closing attainment gaps. 

Event Details

Date: Monday 25 January 2027
Time: 9:15am - 1:00pm
Venue: Carrickfergus Grammar School

This conference presents an excellent opportunity for educators to engage with current thinking on Key Stage 3 provision, hear from leading practitioners, and gather practical strategies that can be applied within their own school settings.

Schools with an interest in curriculum development, literacy, teaching and learning, or improving pupil outcomes at Key Stage 3 are encouraged to attend.

Further Information

For further information or booking enquiries, please contact:

📧 mroberts975@c2ken.net

We encourage schools to share this opportunity with colleagues involved in teaching, learning, curriculum leadership and school improvement.