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

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.

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.

Informed by high performing education systems across the world, the programme challenges leaders to identify a clear improvement priority, gather evidence, test approaches in practice, and evaluate real impact in their own schools. It is disciplined, collaborative, and ongoing.

The event ‘Sharing Impact in School Improvement’ marked the sharing of that work and launch of the publication Building Capacity: Leading Improvement which brings together 23 case studies from participating schools, organised around five themes.

Under Great Teaching First, leaders including David Corbett of Gilnahirk Primary strengthened reading fluency and writing across their schools. Every Learner Included, Nuala McGranaghan of Cedar Lodge School developed communication and sensory support for pupils with complex needs. Melissa McCombe of Kilrea Primary led work on ethos and school climate. Ross Coulter of Ballycarrickmaddy Primary developed collaborative professional practice under Growing People. And in Spaces That Shape Learning, leaders transformed outdoor environments to enhance engagement and wellbeing.

The publication serves as a reference for current participants, provides clarity for future cohorts, and acts as a stimulus for other schools, demonstrating what is possible through evidence-informed leadership.

Minister of Education Paul Givan MLA delivered the keynote address and presented the CSSC Excellence in Educational Research Award to Emma Hylands, Clare Primary School. The award recognises outstanding research that contributes to advancing understanding and application of school improvement practices in the controlled sector.

As CSSC looks ahead, it will continue to work in close partnership with the Education Authority's newly established Controlled Schools' Unit, strengthening relationships with school leaders through a shared commitment to supporting every controlled school and the children they serve.