Controlled Schools' Support Council asks the NI Executive to support the bringing forward of legislation to establish a new statutory organisation for controlled schools

CSSC asks the Northern Ireland Executive to carefully consider the outcome of this consultation, the evidence presented by the Independent Review of Education and the Taskforce Report and to support the bringing forward of legislation to establish a managing authority for controlled schools. 

Since its establishment in 2016, CSSC has worked to secure focused, equitable support for the controlled sector. Today's announcement represents a significant milestone in that journey.

Mark Baker, CSSC Chief Executive, said:

"I welcome this announcement and the outcomes of the public consultation. I ask the Northern Ireland Executive to look closely at the evidential base and outcomes of this consultation and to support the bringing forward of legislation to establish a dedicated managing authority to ensure equitable support for all controlled schools. 

“The controlled sector is the largest and most diverse sector in Northern Ireland's education system, with almost 50% of the schools in Northern Ireland educating almost 150,000 children across nursery, primary, post-primary, special, integrated and Irish-medium provision. All schools across all sectors deserve the same level of support. We cannot afford for this not to be the case for the controlled sector.

“The Independent Review of Education was clear that controlled schools need focused, strategic support. The consultation was about ensuring every child in every community has access to the high quality education they need to thrive.

"Importantly, this is not about creating new costs or duplication. It is envisaged that the new body will be created primarily from existing organisations and resources, bringing together CSSC and the Controlled Schools Unit within the Education Authority, into one focused body with clear accountability. This is about better utilising what we already have, not adding additional layers to the system. 

“The Independent Review concluded that controlled schools should be supported with greater consistency and equity. This announcement delivers on that principle. The Education Authority is already taking positive steps through establishing its Controlled Schools Unit and effective close collaboration with CSSC. The response to the consultation from controlled school leaders demonstrates the appetite across our sector for this change. We look forward to working with the Department and the Education Authority to deliver this transformation for our children, young people and school communities."

A full Consultation Summary Report is available on the Department of Education website: www.education-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-establishment-new-organisation-support-controlled-schools.

A Written Ministerial Statement has also been published and can be accessed at: www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/written-ministerial-statement-public-consultation-report-proposals-establish-dedicated-organisation-support-controlled-schools

16 January 2026